Macro anatomical investigations of the cranial cervical ganglion of the sheep

Abstract

In the present study, eight specimens of sheep (>1 year) of both sexes were dissected to provide a comprehensive description of the weight, allocation and nerve branches of the cranial cervical ganglion. The cranial cervical ganglion was found beneath the mandibular salivary gland. It was located ventromedial to tympanic bulla and ventrally to atlantic fossa. In three out of eight animals it was at the dorsal region of the base of epiglottic cartilage, medial to paramastoid process and medial of the external carotid and occipital arteries. The cranial cervical ganglion was fusiform and reddish in colour. The weight, length, width and thickness (Mean ± SE) of the cranial cervical ganglion in sheep were 0.12 ± 0.01 g, 8.52 ± 0.34 mm, 2.31 ± 0.03 mm and 2.00 ± 0.03 mm, respectively. It was found that the branches of the cranial cervical ganglion were internal carotid, external carotid and jugular nerves.