Vascular system of the optic nerve head and retina in the pig

Abstract

In the pig there is no central retinal artery and major vessels lie superficially within the retina. There is a distinct radial peripapillary plexus and peripheral venous channels. Capillary nets within the retina are trilaminar with the superficial nets having chiefly arterial and the deep net venous associations. The blood supply of the optic nerve head and immediately surrounding retina have distinctive features described herein. Additional findings include a possible streak macula and vessels extending from the retina on to the ciliary body. The circulation of the optic nerve head and retina is compared to that of the human.