Fine structure of the pecten oculi in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

The pecten oculi of the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) has been examined by both light and electron microscopy. In this species the pecten is very large and of the pleated type. It consists of 22-25 accordion folds that are joined apically by a bridge of tissue which holds the pecten in a fan-like shape widest at its base. Within each fold are numerous capillaries, larger supply and drainage vessels and many melanocytes. The capillaries are extremely specialized for transport functions and display extensive microfolds on both their luminal and abluminal borders. Except for the nuclear region which contains most of the organelles, the endothelial cell bodies are extremely thin. These capillaries are surrounded by thick fibrillar basal laminae which are conjectured to be structurally important. Pericytes are a common feature of these capillaries. The numerous pleomorphic melanocytes interspersed between the capillaries are also felt to be important in structural support of the pecten. The pecten is considered to be comparable to the falciform process of some teleosts, the conus papillaris of reptiles, the supraretinal vessels of amphibians and teleosts and the intraretinal vessels of mammals which are all felt to be alternative methods of bringing nutrients to the inner retina.