The nictitating membranes of primates

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Abstract
Of 22 species of subhuman primates examined, 21 have a well developed nictitating membrane; it is vestigial only in Pan satyrus/troglodytes. The sizes of membranes range from those that cover only one‐tenth of the eye (Gorilla gorilla) to those that extend over the entire eye (Perodicticus potto and Arctocebus calabarensis). Nictitans, best developed in the lower primates, have a free border that is generally heavily pigmented. With the exception of Galago crassicaudatus, all prosimians studied have a membrane that contains a cartilaginous band; cartilage is also present in Cacajao rubicundus, Cebus albifrons, and Saimiri sciureus. The outer surface of the nictitans of all species of anthropoids has mucous glands; that of the prosimians has few of them. Serous glands are present only in the Lorisoidea; in anthropoids serous glands are confined to the adjacent conjunctiva. Mast cells occur with great frequency in prosimians. Elastic fibers are better developed in anthropoids. Muscle fibers are present only in the nictitating membranes of Lemur monoz and Callithrix aurita. Vellus hairs grow on the outer surface of the nictitans in many of the species studied.

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