Sana Institute of Health
Sana Institute of Health
Sana Institute of Health

CT Anatomy and Gross Anatomical

CT Anatomy and Gross Anatomical Study of the Scleral Ring in the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

Authors

Majid Masoudifard Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Omid Zehtabvar * Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. ozehtabvar@ut.ac.ir
Yasaman Rezvani Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Shayan Zand Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Arman Shahbazi Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The avian scleral ring is a critical structure for ocular biomechanics and taxonomic studies, yet its morphology in raptors remains understudied. This study investigated the scleral ring in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo) using a multimodal approach: CT, micro-CT, radiography, and anatomical dissection. Analysis of five adult specimens revealed a semi-hyperbolic ring composed of 15 quadrilateral ossicles arranged in a Type B pattern (one plus and one minus excellent ossicle), with a mean anterior-posterior to width ratio of 1.32. Micro-CT imaging showed that 53.36%±1.89 of each ossicle’s volume was compact bone, suggesting biomechanical reinforcement against flight-induced stresses. The ring exhibited complete anatomical independence from adjacent cranial bones (frontal, jugal, lacrimal) and perfect bilateral symmetry (p>0.05). High-resolution micro-CT scans resolved microscopic articular interfaces and trabecular architecture non-destructively, validating its utility for delicate orbital studies. These findings provide morphometric benchmarks for comparative anatomy in Accipitriformes, demonstrate the efficacy of non-invasive imaging for species differentiation, and offer diagnostic criteria for ocular trauma management. By integrating macroscopic dissection with advanced tomography, this work establishes a framework for evolutionary, clinical, and conservation-focused studies of avian visual systems.

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CT Anatomy and Gross Anatomical