The aim of this study was to prove that the nasal plane (Planum nasale) present in camel (Camelus dromedarius). Furthermore, it was the first description of the gross and primary microscopic anatomy as well as the epidermal ultrastructure of the camel nasal plane. Grossly, the camel rhinarium was formed of the glabrous grayish-black skin that extended to cover the philtrum and the medial nasal angles. It was composed of two perinasal parts and an inter-labial part. A shallow groove was passed across its middle. A dermatoglyphic pattern of epidermal ridges with primary and secondary fissures in between was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The nasal plane was very small in relation to the camel head size. In general, the morphological appearance of the camel rhinarium was greatly similar to that of the proboscis-bearing mammals. The basic histological structure as well as the epidermal ultrastructure of the camel nasal plane was observed to resemble very closely the common type. Few differences were found, including indistinct or absent hypodermal layer, thinner stratum corneum and some basal cells have unusual sinuous bases.
While epiglottis is essentially a mammalian structure, studying its microstructure in any placental model will add an important information to the field of comparative anatomy and the related branches of biology. The aim of this study was to describe the structure of the epiglottis in dromedary camels using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with reference to the possible functions. A total of 11 epiglottis cartilages from 11 larynges were used. The study revealed unusual, deeply situated glands just beneath the cartilage plate. They have unusually, wide surface‐openings, while their ducts were partly located within the cartilage. This is presumed to be an adaptation to the need for rapid and efficient mucosal surface hydration in the arid conditions. The possible secretion transport mechanisms in these glands were also discussed. Furthermore, the SEM revealed for the first time, the presence of taste buds in camel epiglottis. However, in histological sections, visibility of taste buds was dependent upon the staining techniques. The taste buds were not seen with standard H& E stain, as they blended imperceptibly with the surrounding epithelium. Conversely, Mallory's trichrome showed contrasting colors, and taste buds were visible. In conclusion, camel epiglottis has an unusual structure, which may be correlated to environmental adaptation and important for the general health of upper respiratory tract in this species.
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