Advances in the Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology of the Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) Brain and Spinal Cord

Authors

  • M. Salouci Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24425/pjvs.2026.3613

Abstract

The dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) represents a remarkable model of physiological and anatomical adaptation to extreme environments. While many researchers have focused on its unique metabolic and water-conserving abilities, the neuroscience underlying these adaptations are noticeable unexplored. This study reviews the latest findings in the anatomy, histology, and embryology of the dromedary nervous system. It highlights the gross and comparative neuroanatomy, emphasizing distinctive features of the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems, including the complex cerebral vasculature. Histological studies demonstrate a diverse array of neuronal and glial cell types in the caudate nucleus, cerebellum and spinal trigeminal nucleus, reflecting advanced neural processing. Furthermore, embryological investigations trace the development of the nervous system from neurulation and the formation of brain vesicles. Finally, this review connects these neurobiological features to the camel’s unique adaptations, such as thermoregulation and pain perception, and discusses the implications of emerging technologies such as nanobody-based therapies derived from camelids for treating neurological disorders. This comprehensive overview underscores the camel as a vital subject for neuroscientific research, offering novel perspectives on neural structure, function and evolution in response to environmental pressures.

References

Abdel-Magied EM (1995) Fine structure of nerve endings and junctions in the superior cervical ganglion of the camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Anat Histol Embryol 24:135-140.

Abo-Ahmed AI, Eshrah EA, Latifi F (2021) Unique nasal septal island in dromedary camels may play a role in pain perception: Microscopic studies. Saudi J Biol Sci 28: 3806- 3815.

Adam ZA, Awaad AS, Tawfiek MG, Ibrahim A (2016) Gross anatomy of the narial and labial musculatures of one humped camel (Camelus Dromedarius). J Morphol Sci 33: 171-178.

Al-Dubaib M, Al-Swailem A, Al-Ghamdi G, Alyamani E, Al-Naeem AA, Al-Mejali AM, Shehata MM, Hashad M, El-Lithy DA, Mahmoud O (2008) Dubduba Syndrome: An Emerging Neurological Disease of Camels with a Possible Viral Etiologic Agent. J Camel Pract Res 15: 147-152.

Al-Ghamdi GM, Al-Naeem AA, Wuenschmann A, Wernery U, Al-Dubaib M, Al-Swailem AM, Hamouda M,Al-Yamani E, Shehata M, El-Lithy O, Mahmoud A, Al-Mujali M (2009) Dubduba Syndrome: Non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia. J Camel Pract Res 16: 19-23.

Al-Hussain SM, Albostanji SA, Mustafa AG, Zaqout S (2021) Neuronal cell types in the anterior ventral thalamic nucleus of the camel. Anat Rec 304: 2044-2049.

Al-Hussain SM, Yousuf MS, Hani AB, Zaqout S, Djouhri L, Mustafa AG (2022) A Golgi study of neurons in the camel cerebellum (Camelus Dromedarius). Anat Rec 305: 1264-1276.

Al-Numair NS, Theyab A, Alzahrani F, Shams AM, Al-Anazi IO, Oyouni AAA, Al-Amer OM, Mavromatis C, Saadeldin IM, Abdali WA, Hawsawi YM (2022) Camels’ biological fluids contained nanobodies: Promising Avenue in cancer therapy. Cancer Cell Int 22: 279.

Al Aiyan A, Balan R (2023) Mapping the branching pattern of the middle cerebral artery in the camel (Camelus Dromedarius): A Comprehensive Anatomical Analysis. Front Vet Sci 10: 1224197.

Al Aiyan A, Balan R (2024) Comprehensive Analysis of the rostral and caudal cerebral artery branching patterns in the dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Front Vet Sci 11: 1426372.

Al Aiyan A, Balan R, Gebreigziabiher S, Zerom S, Mihreteab Y, Ghebrehiwot E, Aldarwich A, Willingham AL, Kishore U (2024) Comprehensive mapping of the exterior architecture of the dromedary camel brain. Sci Rep 14: 2971.

Al Aiyan A, Menon P, Aldarwich A, Almuhairi F, Alnuaimi S, Bulshawareb A, Qablan M, Shehab S (2019) Descriptive analysis of cerebral arterial vascular architecture in dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Front Neuroanat 13: 67.

Alim FZD, Romanova EV, Tay YL, Abdul Rahman AYB, Chan KG, Hong KW, Rogers M, Southey BR, Greenwood MP, Mecawi AS, Mustafa MR, Mahy N, Campbell C, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Sweedler JV, Murphy D, Hindmarch CCT (2019) Seasonal adaptations of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system of the dromedary camel. PLoS One 14: e0216679.

Allouch GM, Alshanbari FA (2023) Anatomical study of the nerve supply of the dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius) in the distal hindlimb with a special reference to the cutaneous innervation. Vet Sci 10: 305.

Almasaad JM, Bataineh ZM, Zaqout S (2025) Neuronal diversity in the caudate nucleus: a comparative study between camel and human brains. Anat Rec 308: 1410- 1424.

Almathen F, Salim B (2025) Time to link camel genomics and traits by bridging the phenotypic gap. Front Genet 16: 1627229.

Arencibia A, Rivero MA, Ramírez JA, Gil F, Gutierrez C, Oros J (2004) Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal brain in a newborn dromedary camel. Vet J 168: 353- 357.

Attaai AH, Noreldin AE, Abdel-Maksoud FM, Hussein MT (2020) An updated investigation on the dromedary camel cerebellum (Camelus Dromedarius) with special insight into the distribution of calcium-binding proteins. Sci Rep 10: 21157.

Babelhadj B, Di Bari MA, Pirisinu L, Chiappini B, Gaouar SBS, Riccardi G, Marcon S, Agrimi U, Nanno R, Vaccari G (2018) Prion disease in dromedary camels, Algeria. Emerg Infect Dis 24: 1029-1036.

Bahbahani H, Mohammad Z, Alfoudari A, Al Abri M (2025) Genomic insights into racing camels: Inbreeding levels and positive selection linked to athletic traits. Animal 19: 101467.

Bataineh ZM (2020) Types of Neurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the camel brain: Golgi Study. FASEB J 34: 1-1.

Baumann N, Pham-Dinh D (2001) Biology of oligodendrocyte and myelin in the mammalian central nervous system. Physiol Rev 81: 871-927.

Beheiry RR (2016) Histological, immunohistochemical and scanning electron microscopic studies on the cerebellum of dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius). J Vet Anat 9: 25- 38.

Ben Khalifa A, Belkhiria J, Hamdi H, Dakhli B, Chandoul W, Mattoussi A (2019) Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and associated structures of the one humped camel (Camelus Dromedarius): A comparative study. J New Sci 68: 4221-4231.

Bouâouda H, Tali A, Chahboun M, El Allali K, Achaâban MR (2014) Adaptive heterothermy and selective brain cooling in the dromedary camel. In: The dromedary camel: A model for health and disease. BSP: 113-125.

Busch SE, Bosman C, Chadderton P, Apps R, De Zeeuw CI, Reeber SL (2025) Human purkinje cells are larger and more complex than mouse, with an expanded capacity for input integration. eLife 14: e105013.

Calligaro H, Shoghi A, Chen X, Kim K-Y, Yu HL, Khov B, Finander B, Le H, Ellisman MH, Panda S (2023) Ultrastructure of synaptic connectivity within subregions of the suprachiasmatic nucleus revealed by a genetically encoded tag and serial blockface electron microscopy. eNeuro 10: 0227-0223.

Cartiaux B, Amara A, Pailloux N, Paumier R, Malek A, Elmehatli K, Kachout S, Bensmida B, Montel C, Arribaratr G, Mogicato G (2023) Diffusion tensor imaging tractography in the one-humped camel (Camelus Dromedarius) Brain. Front Vet Sci 10: 1231421.

Dimicco JA, Zaretsky DV (2007) The dorsomedial hypothalamus: A new player in thermoregulation. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 292: R47-R63.

El-Dwairi QA, Al-Hussain SM, Banihani AS, Bataineh ZM, Djouhri L, Mustafa AG, Zaqout S (2023) Neuronal cell types in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the camel brain. Brain Sci 13.

El-Zoghby I, Osman DI (2010) Comparative study on the optic nerve of the donkey and camel. J Camel Pract Res 17: 211-215.

El Allali K, Achaâban MR, Bothorel B, Piro M, Bouâouda H, El Allouchi M, Ouassat M, Malan A, Pevet P (2013) Entrainment of the circadian clock by daily ambient temperature cycles in the camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 304: 1044-1052.

El Allali K, Achaâban MR, Piro M, Ouassat M, Challet E, Errami M, Lakhdar-Ghazal N, Calas A, Pevet P (2017) The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius): Cytoarchitecture and Neurochemical Anatomy. Front Neuroanat 11: 103.

Elbers JP, Rogers MF, Perelman PL, Proskuryakova AA, Serdyukova NA, Johnson WE, Horin P, Corander J, Murphy D, Burger PA (2019) Improving illumina assemblies with hi-c and long reads: an example with the north african dromedary. Molecular Ecology Resources 19: 1015-1026.

Elkhawad AO (1992) Selective brain cooling in desert animals: The camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Comp Biochem Physiol 101: 345-347.

Elmonem ME, Mohamed SA, Aly KH (2007) Early embryonic development of the camel lumbar spinal cord segment. Anat Histol Embryol 36: 43-46.

Faraz A, Masebo NT, Hussain SM, Waheed A, Ishaq HM, Tauqir NA, Abbasi AR, Saleem F, Padalino B (2025) Association of environmental temperature and relative humidity with ocular and flank temperatures in dromedary camels. Animals 15: 309.

Farouk SM, Hassan SA, Elsayed AK, Abdo M (2019) Vesicles stage of camel brain development. Int J Morphol 37: 498-503.

Fesseha H, Desta W (2020) Dromedary camel and its adaptation mechanisms to desert environment: A Review. Int j zool stud 5: 23-28.

Floriddia E (2022) New myelin for old oligodendrocytes. Nat Neurosci 25: 404-404.

Foster M, Dwibhashyam S, Patel D, Gupta K, Matz O, Billings BK, Bitterman K, Bertelson M, Tang CY, Mars RB, Raghanti MA, Hof PR, Sherwood CC, Manger PR, Spocter MA (2024) Comparative anatomy of the caudate nucleus in canids and felids: Associations with brain size, curvature, cross-sectional properties and behavioral ecology. J Comp Neurol 532: e25618.

Ganapathy MK, Reddy V, Tadi P (2024) Neuroanatomy, spinal cord morphology. StatPearls Publishing.

Gaughan J (2011) Which physiological adaptation allows camels to tolerate high heat load and what more can we learn? J Camelid Sci 4.

Gebreselassie M, Assen AM (2019) Adaptation mechanisms of camels (Camelus Dromedarius) for desert environment: A Review. J Vet Sci Technol 10: 486.

Ghaji, A (1985) The cerebellum of the one-humped camel. Anat Histol Embryol 14: 54-65.

Gharaei S, Honnuraiah S, Arabzadeh E, Stuart GJ (2020) superior colliculus modulates cortical coding of somatosensory information. Nat Commun 11: 1693.

Gong S-G (2014) Cranial neural crest: Migratory cell behavior and regulatory networks. Exp Cell Res 325: 90-95.

Grigg G, Beard L, Dörges B, Heucke J, Coventry J, Coppock A, Blomberg S (2009) Strategic (Adaptive) hypothermia in bull dromedary camels during rut; could it increase reproductive success? Biol Lett 5: 853-856.

Hahn J, Monavarfeshani A, Qiao M, Kao AH, Kölsch Y, Kumar A, Kunze VP, Rasys AM, Richardson R, Wekselblatt JB, Bair H, Lucas RJ, Li W, Meiter M, Trachtenberg JT, Yan W, Peng Y, Sanes JR, Shekhar K (2023) Evolution of neuronal cell classes and types in the vertebrate retina. Nature 624: 415-424.

Huff T, Weisbrod LJ, Daly DT (2024) Neuroanatomy, cranial nerve 5 (Trigeminal). StatPearls Publishing.

Jain RK, Gupta AN (2007) Gross anatomical studies on the spinal cord of camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Indian J Anim Sci 77: 55.

Jararr B (2015) Normal Pattern of the Ccmel histology. FAO Publications, Riyadh.

Jerbi H, Vazquez N, Pérez W (2019) Morphological configuration and topography of the brain arterial supply of the one-humped camel (Camelus Dromedarius, Linnaeus 1758). Int J Morphol 37: 1095-1100.

Jessen C (1998) Selective brain cooling in mammals and birds. Physiol 13: 281-286.

Jirimutu, Wang Z, Ding G, Chen G, Sun Y, Sun Z, Zhang H, Wang L, Hasi S, Zhang Y, Li J, Shi Y, Xu Z, He C, Yu S, Li S, Zhang W, Batmunkh M, Ts B, Narenbatu, Unierhu, Bat-Ireedui S, Gao H, Baysgalan B, Li Q, Jia Z, Turigenbayila, Subudenggerile, Dabxilt, Erdemet, Altansha, Altansukh, Liu T, Cao M, Aruuntsever, Bayart, Hosblig, He F, Zha-ti A, Zheng G, Qiu F, Sun Z, Zhao L, Zhao W, Liu B, Li C, Chen Y, Tang X, Guo C, Liu W, Ming L, Temuulen, Cui A, Li Y, Gao J, Li J, Wurentaodi, Niu S, Sun T, Zhai Z, Zhang M, Chen C, Baldan T, Bayaer T, Li Y, Meng H (2012) Genome sequences of wild and domestic bactrian camels. Nat Commun 3: 1202.

Kim LH, Heck DH, Sillitoe RV (2024) Cerebellar functions beyond movement and learning. Annu Rev Neurosci 47: 145-166.

Lado S, Elbers JP, Rogers MF, Melo-Ferreira J, Yadamsuren A, Corander J, Horin P, Burger PA (2020) nucleotide diversity of functionally different groups of immune response genes in old world camels based on newly annotated and reference-guided assemblies. BMC Genomics 21: 606.

Lafon PA, Prézeau L, Pin JP, Rondard P (2025) Nanobodies: A new paradigm for brain disorder therapies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 46: 1049-1051.

Lin P, Al-Hussain SM, Mustafa AG, Zaqout S, Djouhri L et al. (2022) The hypothalamic osmoregulatory control centre of the Arabian dromedary camel. Commun Biol 5: 904.

Melka N, Pszczolinska A, Klejbor I, Moryś J (2024) the cerebellum: The ‘little’ brain and its big role. Folia Morphologica 83: 497-508.

Mensah-Brown EPK, Garey LJ (2006) The lamination of the superior colliculus of the camel, Camelus Dromedarius: A neuron-specific nuclear protein and neuropeptidergic immunohistochemical study. J Anat 209: 351-366.

Metwally E, Farouk SM, Hossain MS, Raihan O (2019) Expression of glial cells molecules in the optic nerve of adult dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius): A histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Anat Histol Embryol 48: 74-86.

Ming L, Wang Z, Yi L, Batmunkh M, Liu T, Siren D, He J, Jurmat N, Jambl T, Li Y, Jirimutu (2020) Chromosome-level assembly of wild bactrian camel genome reveals organization of immune gene Loci. Mol Ecol Resour 20:3.

Mitchell D, Laburn HP, Nijland MIM, Zurovsky Y, Mitchell G (1987) Selective brain cooling and survival. S Afr J Sci 83: 598-604.

Nourinezhad J, Mazaheri Y, Biglari Z (2015) Detailed anatomy of the cranial cervical ganglion in the dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 298: 1479- 1491.

Ohsawa K, Imai Y, Sasaki Y, Kohsaka S (2004) Microglia/

/Macrophage-specific protein iba1 binds to fimbrin and enhances its actin-bundling activity. J Neurochem 88: 844-856.

Oosterlaken M, Rogliardo A, Lipina T, Lafon PA, Tsitokana ME, Keck M, Cahuzac H, Prieu-Serandon P, Diem S, Derieux C, Camberlin C, Lafont C, Meyer D, Chames P, Vandermoere F, Marin P, Prezeau L, Servent D, Salahpour A, Ramsey A, Becamel C, Pin JP, Kniazeff J, Rondard P (2025) Nanobody therapy rescues behavioural deficits of nmda receptor hypofunction. Nature 645: 262-270.

Pastrana CI, Busch SE, Reidenberg JS, Raghunathan G, Hof PR, Manger PR (2024) Negative reinforcement and sensory cues boost camel proactivity. Behav 161: 781-807.

Patel NM, Jozsa F, Das JM (2025) Neuroanatomy, spinal trigeminal nucleus statpearls. StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island (FL).

Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D (2001) The sympathetic division of the visceral motor system. Sunderland (MA).

Ramu K, Kumaravel A, Selvaraju T, Iniyah K, Kathirvel S (2025) Histological architecture of the caudate nucleus in adult goat brain. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husb 10: 395- 397.

Saleh AM, Alameldin MA, Abdelmoniem ME, Hassouna EM, Wrobel KH (2002) Immunohistochemical investigations of the autonomous nerve distribution in the testis of the camel (Camelus Dromedarius). Ann Anat 184: 209-220.

Salouci M, Antoine N, Shikh Al Sook MK, Piret J, Mignon Y, Kirschvink N, Gabriel A (2014) Developmental profiles of GFAP-positive astrocytes in sheep cerebellum. Vet Res Commun 38: 279-285.

Salouci M, Engelen V, Gyan M, Antoine N, Jacqmot O, Mignon Y, Kirschvink N, Gabriel A (2012) Development of Purkinje cells in the ovine brain. Anat Histol Embryol 41: 227-232.

Salouci M, Gabriel A (2016) Focus Sur Les Astrocytes: Cellules De La Glie Aux Rôles Multiples Et Importants Dans Le Snc. Le Mouton Est-Il Un Excellent Modèle Animal ? Rev Med Vet 167: 176-191.

Singh R, Munakomi S (2023) Embryology, Neural Tube. StatPearls Publications.

Smuts MMS, Bezuidenhout AJ (1987) Anatomy of the dromedary. illustrations and photographs by David Mazierski. Oxford University Press.

Stadelmann C, Timmler S, Barrantes-Freer A, Simons M (2019) Myelin in the central nervous system: Structure, function, and pathology. Physiol Rev 99: 1381-1431.

Strauss WM, Hetem RS, Mitchell D, Maloney SK, O’brien HD, Meyer LCR, Fuller A (2017) Body water conservation through selective brain cooling by the carotid rete: A physiological feature for surviving climate change? Conserv Physiol 5: cow078.

Waxenbaum JA, Reddy V, Futterman B (2023) Anatomy, cranial nerves. StatPearls Publications.

Wright EA, Reddock MB, Roberts EK, Legesse YW, Perry G, Bradley RD (2024) Genetic characterization of the prion protein gene in camels (camelus) with comments on the evolutionary history of prion disease in Cetartiodactyla. PeerJ 12: e17552.

Wu H, Guang X, Al-Fageeh MB, Cao J, Pan S, Zhou H, Zhang L, Abutarboush MH, Xing Y, Xie Z, Alshanqeeti AS, Zhang Y, Yao Q, Al-Shomrani BM, Zhang D, Li J, Manee MM, Yang Z, Yang L, liu Y, Zhang J, Altammami MA, Wang S, Yu L, Zhang W, Liu S, Ba L, Liu C, Yang X, Meng F, Wang F, Wang S, Li L, Li E, Li X, Wu K, Zhang S, Wang J, Yin Y, Yang H, Al-Swailem AM, Wang J (2014) Camelid genomes reveal evolution and adaptation to desert environments. Nat Commun 5: 5188.

Wu P, Childs GV (1990) Cold and novel environment stress affects AVP mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus, but not the supraoptic nucleus: An in-situ hybridization study. Mol Cell Neurosci 1: 233-249.

Xie ZH, Li HY, Wang JL (2006) Morphological study on the cerebrum of bactrian camel (Camelus Bactrians) with particular reference to sulci. J Camel Pract Res 13: 61-66.

Zheng F, Pang Y, Li L, Pang Y, Zhang J, Wang X, Raes G (2022) Applications of nanobodies in brain diseases. Front Immunol 13: 978513.

Downloads

Published

2026-09-17

How to Cite

Salouci, M. “Advances in the Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology of the Dromedary (Camelus Dromedarius) Brain and Spinal Cord”. Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, vol. 29, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 473-84, doi:10.24425/pjvs.2026.3613.

Issue

Section

Review