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The nictitating membrane of a masked lapwing as it closes over the left eye, originating from the medial canthus. The nictitating membrane (from Latin nictare, to blink) is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye from the medial canthus to protect and moisten it while maintaining vision.
In some animals, it acts as an accessory to the lacrimal gland, secreting fluid that eases movement of the nictitating membrane. Research has proposed that the gland has several other functions, including that of a photoprotective organ, a location of immune response , a source of thermoregulatory lipids, a source of pheromones , and a site of ...
It is loose, thus eye movements are not restricted by it. Only one species of primate, the Calabar angwantibo, is known to have a functioning nictitating membrane. [4] With ocular allergies, the lacrimal caruncle and plica semilunaris may be inflamed and pruritic (itchy) due to histamine release in the tissue and tear film.
In squamate reptiles both the nictitating membrane and the eyelids have been suggested as the evolutionary origin of the brille, but embryonic studies supports the fusion of the dorsal and ventral eyelids. [1] Brille means "spectacles" or "glasses" in German, Norwegian, and Danish.
The presence of the plica semilunaris in the human eye—a vestigial remnant of the nictitating membrane. [95] Harderian gland in primates. [96] Reduced hind limbs and pelvic girdle structures in legless lizards, skinks, [97] amphisbaenians, and some snakes. [98] [99]
Blinking is a bodily function; it is a semi-autonomic rapid closing of the eyelid. [1] A single blink is determined by the forceful closing of the eyelid or inactivation of the levator palpebrae superioris and the activation of the palpebral portion of the orbicularis oculi, not the full open and close.
Cherry eye is typically diagnosed by examination of the conjunctiva and nictitating membrane. [2] The most obvious symptom of cherry eye is a round fleshy mass in the medial canthus of the eye, similar in appearance to the fruit it is named for. [ 8 ]
The dark blue, teal, and gold tapetum lucidum from the eye of a cow Retina of a mongrel dog with strong tapetal reflex. The tapetum lucidum (Latin for 'bright tapestry, coverlet'; / t ə ˈ p iː t əm ˈ l uː s ɪ d əm / tə-PEE-təm LOO-sih-dəm; pl.: tapeta lucida) [1] is a layer of tissue in the eye of many vertebrates and some other animals.