This refers to the belief that this crocodile comes from an ancient lineage that diverged from other species of caimans some 30 million years ago. The specific name palpebrosus is derived from the Latin palpebra meaning "eyelid" and osus meaning "full of". This refers to the bony plates (palpebrals) present on the upper eyelids. Common names include the musky caiman, the dwarf caiman, Cuvier's caiman, and the smooth-fronted caiman, although the last of these is also used to refer to the closely related P. trigonatus.
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Kontridze was a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery on palpebra and conjunctiva. He performed corneal transplants, extra- and intra-capsule cataract extractions, and implanted artificial lenses. He performed all kinds of anti-glaucoma operations, worked on retinal detachment, virtual surgery, and trauma to the eye. He removed magnetic and amagmetic interocular objects, performed optic reconstructive operations, worked on eye muscles, orbits, and cosmetic repairs after enucleation of the eye. In 1994, after political and criminal unrest in Georgia, Kontridze moved to Israel with his family, where he continued his scientific research at Shapiro’s organization.
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The nictitating membrane (completely closed) of a black crowned crane, right eye The nictitating membrane is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten it while maintaining vision. The term comes from the Latin word nictare, meaning "to blink". It is often called a third eyelid or haw, and may be referred to in scientific terminology as the plica semilunaris, membrana nictitans, or palpebra tertia. Unlike the upper and lower eyelids, the nictitating membrane moves horizontally across the eyeball.
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The mechanism (whether environmental or genetic) responsible for this diversity is not understood. Infection is characterized by both physiological and behavioral changes: nasal and ocular discharge, palpebral edema (swelling of the upper and/or lower palpebra, or eyelid, the fleshy portion that is in contact with the tortoises eye globe) and conjunctivitis, weight loss, changes in color and elasticity of the integument, and lethargic or erratic behavior. These pathogens are likely transmitted by contact with an infected individual. Epidemiological studies of wild desert tortoises in the western Mojave Desert from 1992 to 1995 showed a 37% increase in M. agassizii.
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The nictitating membrane of a masked lapwing as it closes over the left eye, originating from the medial canthus The nictitating membrane (from Latin nictare, to blink) is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye from the medial canthus for protection and to moisten it while maintaining vision. Some reptiles, birds, and sharks have full nictitating membranes; in many mammals, a small, vestigial portion of the membrane remains in the corner of the eye. Some mammals, such as cats, camels, polar bears, seals and aardvarks, have full nictitating membranes. Often called a third eyelid or haw, it may be referred to in scientific terminology as the plica semilunaris, membrana nictitans, or palpebra tertia.
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