Pecten oculi
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Longitudinal section of the pecten oculi of a pigeon (HE): folds (1)
The pecten consists of multiple folds or pleats that are apically held together by a ‘bridge’. The folds attach basally at intervals along the whole border of the optic disc. The number of the folds varies amongst different bird species. Generally , diurnal birds have a bigger pecten with more pleats than nocturnal birds. The domestic fowl is described to have 16-18 pleats, pigeons 13-14, whereas owls only 5-10.