Sclerotic ring
Sclerotic rings are rings of bone found in the eyes of many animals in several groups of vertebrates, except for extant mammals and crocodilians.[1] They can be made up of single bones or multiple segments[2] and take their name from the sclera. They are believed to have a role in supporting the eye, especially in animals whose eyes are not spherical, or which live underwater.[1] Fossil sclerotic rings are known for a variety of extinct animals, including ichthyosaurs, pterosaurs, and dinosaurs,[3][4] but are often not preserved.
A skull of an extant tawny frogmouth, showing large sclerotic rings.
A skull of an extant satanic leaf-tailed gecko, showing large sclerotic rings.
Skull and sclerotic ring of the gorgonopsian Viatkogorgon.
Sclerotic ring of the hadrosaur Prosaurolophus.
References[]
- ^ a b Motani, Ryosuke (15 November 2001). "Eyes of Ichthyosaurs". UC Museum of Paleontology. Archived from the original on 17 December 2001. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
- ^ "Palaeos Vertebrates: Glossary S". Retrieved 2007-07-06.
- ^ Pigdon, Dann. "Re: Sclerotic ring in eyes". Retrieved 2007-07-06.
- ^ Milner, Angela. "Ophthalmosaurus icenicus: Why did it have such large eyes?". Natural History Museum, London. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
- Vertebrate anatomy
- Dinosaur anatomy
- Eye
- Skull
- Vertebrate anatomy stubs