MAJOR SALIVARY GLANDS TOPOGRAPHY IN GUINEA PIGS (Cavia porcellus)

Our study aimed to enrich the current data pool, by providing a macroscopically description of the guinea pig’s major salivary glands. Within the same order, even if the diet is alike, there are differences between the major salivary gland. Our research was carried out on 5 guinea pigs, emerging from University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hațieganu†Cluj-Napoca. The animals were euthanized by exposure to prolonged inhalatory anaesthesia (Isoflurane). We mention that this euthanasia method is allowed by 2010/63/UE directive of the European Parliament and the Council from 22 September 2010, regarding animal protection used in scientific purposes. The results regarding major salivary glands were compared to literature data on other similar species such as rat, mice, rabbit and dog. Macroscopically, all of the major salivary glands were paired. The macroscopic examination revealed that the major salivary glands in guinea pigs are similar to those in other mammal species when we refer to its general macroscopic aspect. The macroscopic examination revealed that the parotid gland is found at the ear base, extending ventral reaching the ventral cervical region. The mandibular gland in guinea pig is found precervical anterior from the larynx and ventral from the recurved mandibular branch, subtracheal and is partially covered by the parotid gland. The sublingual gland is found on the both sides of the tongues ventral root ridge, with elongated appearance.