Biomaterial Database

Fine structure of the retinal epithelium, Bruch's membrane (Complexus basalis) and choriocapillaris in the domestic ferret. 1982

C R Braekevelt

The fine structure of the retinal epithelium, choriocapillaris, and Bruch's membrane has been studied by electron microscopy in the domestic ferret. The ferret possesses a tapetum cellulosum in the superior fundus, and the morphology of the retinal epithelium and its associated structures varies depending upon its relation to the tapetum. Over the tapetum the retinal epithelium is a single layer of low cuboidal cells with basal infoldings and two types of apical process. Internally the cells are non-pigmented, display much smooth endoplasmic reticulum, little rough endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, phagosomes, and a basally located nucleus. The choriocapillaris is composed of large capillaries indented into the retinal epithelium. Bruch's membrane is thin and composed of three layers. In non-tapetal regions the retinal epithelial cells are pigmented but display most of the other features noted over the tapetum. The choriocapillaris is not indented in non-tapetal areas. Bruch's membrane appears identical to that noted over the tapetum. Wandering phagocytes are occasionally noted at the retinal epithelium-photoreceptor junction.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D012160	Retina	The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the OPTIC NERVE and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the CHOROID and the inner surface with the VITREOUS BODY. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent.	Ora Serrata
D002335	Carnivora	An order of MAMMALS, usually flesh eaters with appropriate dentition. Suborders include the terrestrial carnivores Fissipedia, and the aquatic carnivores CANIFORMIA.
D004848	Epithelium	The layers of EPITHELIAL CELLS which cover the inner and outer surfaces of the cutaneous, mucus, and serous tissues and glands of the body.	Mesothelium,Epithelial Tissue,Mesothelial Tissue,Epithelial Tissues,Mesothelial Tissues,Tissue, Epithelial,Tissue, Mesothelial,Tissues, Epithelial,Tissues, Mesothelial
D005289	Ferrets	Semidomesticated variety of European polecat much used for hunting RODENTS and/or RABBITS and as a laboratory animal. It is in the subfamily Mustelinae, family MUSTELIDAE.	Domestic Polecat,Domestic Polecats,European Polecat,European Polecats,Ferret,Mustela putorius,Mustela putorius furo,Polecat, Domestic,Polecat, European,Polecats, Domestic,Polecats, European
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia