Intraorbital anatomy of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

• Published in: The Anatomical record Vol. 267; no. 4; pp. 277 - 287
• Main Authors: Kempster, R.C., Bancroft, B.J., Hirst, L.W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.08.2002
• Subjects: anatomy; Animals; Arteries - anatomy & histology; Conjunctiva - anatomy & histology; Conjunctiva - blood supply; Eye - anatomy & histology; Eye - blood supply; Eye - innervation; Female; Lymphatic System - anatomy & histology; Male; Marsupialia - anatomy & histology; Oculomotor Muscles - anatomy & histology; Oculomotor Muscles - blood supply; Oculomotor Muscles - innervation; orbit; Phascolarctos cinereus; Veins - anatomy & histology
• ISSN: 0003-276X; 1097-0185
• DOI: 10.1002/ar.10118

This is the first documented study of the anatomical details of the contents of the normal koala orbit, excluding the bulbus oculi. Baseline data were established which are necessary for understanding and treating ocular disease in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). The anatomy of the orbital contents of the koala were examined and described from animals that presented dead or were euthanized for humane reasons. Dissections of the orbital cavity were performed under magnification. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) casts of the nasolacrimal system and the vascular supply of the orbit were also made in order to study these systems. The superficial lymphatic drainage of the conjunctival tissues was studied by subcutaneous injection of Evan's Blue into the palpebral conjunctiva of a freshly deceased animal, and by Microfil casts of the efferent lymphatics. In general, the orbital contents of the koala are consistent with those of other carnivorous polyprotodont and herbivorous diprotodont marsupials. Anat Rec 267:277–287, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.