Arterial Supply of the Superior Cervical Ganglion in the Guinea-Pig (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract

The vascularization of the cranial cervical ganglion [superior cervical ganglion (SCG)] of 10 adult guinea-pigs (Cavia porcellus) was investigated by latex injection and dissection techniques. Compared with other species, there were differences in the arterial supply of SCG and in the number of branches originating from these vessels. The SCG received arterial blood from branches of the ascending pharyngeal and internal carotid arteries. In addition, it was demonstrated that the superior thyroid and occipital arteries contribute rarely to the vascularization of the SCG. © 2006 Blackwell Verlag.