Lacrimal gland of the camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Awkati, A.; Al-Bagdadi, F.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 32(3): 505-510
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 5547018 Document Number: 36236
The lacrimal glands of 22 adult camels of both sexes and a 6-month-old fetus were studied. The gland differs from other mammalian types in having only one excretory duct, which opens in a fold of the conjunctiva to minimize the risk of sand entering. Secretions are so copious that tears continually overflow. The gland is flat, with a small caudolateral lobe and a cranial main lobe, but individual variations were found. The structure is of a compound tubuloalveolar type, containing myoepithelial cells and elastic tissue. The cell types, ducts and pigmentation are discussed.