Musculo-cartilaginous structure of the external ear in the dromedary camels with special reference to the auricular nerve blocks

Gamal Mounir AllouchFahad A. Alshanbari^*Madeh Sadan

• Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

Aim: Understanding the external ear's anatomy and the ear nerve blocks (external acoustic meatus) is crucial for effective ear movement and for treating clinical cases requiring an ear nerve block. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical cartilages and muscles of the outer ear and to investigate the appropriate anatomical location of the major nerves that supply the ear in the dromedary camels. Methods: The study was conducted on 12 adult male and female dromedary camel heads of different breads obtained from Buraydah slaughterhouse, and the usual dissection technique was used by placing the samples in a 10% formalin solution, then dissecting the samples with approved dissection tools. Results: The findings demonstrated that the auricle of camels has a particular structure. The muscles are arranged in four groups: the rostral, dorsal, ventral and caudal. In addition, there are three cartilages, as well as the anatomical location of the auricular nerves. Depending on the anatomical and ultrasonographic landmarks, the injection site of the internal and great auricular nerve blocks was approached at the lateral side of the base of the auricular cartilage and the base of the pinna on its caudal side, respectively. Conclusion: The study provides detailed information on camel ear pinna, cartilages, and muscles, particularly the auricular nerve block method, which can guide future clinical and surgical work in camel's ear.