Sialographic characterization of the normal parotid gland of the miniature pig.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the structure of the parotid gland of the miniature pigs (minipig).


METHODS
Sialographic, anatomical, histological and ultrastructural studies of the parotid gland were performed on 11 minipigs.


RESULTS
Sialograms showed a long main duct and a triangular shaped gland. All branching ducts extended from the inferior-posterior margin of the main duct. No accessory glands were found. Typical serous acini were found microscopically and histochemically.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides basic structural information on the parotid gland of the minipig.
Salivary Gland Disease Center, Beijing Hospital for Stomatology, Capital University of Medical Sciences, China.
S L
SL
Wang
J
J
Li
X Z
XZ
Zhu
K
K
Sun
X Y
XY
Liu
Y G
YG
Zhang
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018987:Salivary Ducts / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012796:Sialography; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature