SOME ANATOMICAL STUDIES ON THE NASAL CAVITY OF THE DONKEY

Abstract

This study was carried out on the nasal cavity of 30 apparently healthy adult donkeys in different ages, and this study included a complete anatomical description of the different parts of the nasal cavity in addition to the paranasal sinuses. Also, the microscopic structure of most of these parts was described. Radiographic pictures of the nasal cavity were taken for showing the different locations of the paranasal sinuses and the determination of the course of the nasolacrimal duct, as well as the suitable seats for trephining the maxillary and frontal sinuses. Also, computed tomographical pictures were taken to transverse sections of the nasal cavity on different levels and compared with the photo graphical pictures of these sections. The results of this study were discussed with the similar findings in equines and the other domestic animals. This study showed that the nasal cavity of the donkey simulated the nasal cavity of the horse to a large extent although there were some differences in some parts as: The presence of the rostral nasolacrimal orifice in the medial surface of the lateral wall of the nostril below the dorsal nasal angle. The ventral conchal sinus was divided into tow parts by a complete . septum in most cases or incomplete one in some cases. The maxillary sinus was undivided in most cases but it was divided by incomplete oblique septum in some cases and in one case only, this septum was complete. The opening of the sphenopalatine sinus into the nasal cavity was separated from the maxillary sinus in most cases.