Morphological Study of the Nasal Conchae of the Guinea Pig

The histology of the conchae of the nasal cavity in the guinea pig was investigated by means of conventional light and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed a clear structural difference between the anterior and the posterior portion of the conchae, being in the first zone where the vasculature was more numerous. The arterioles and the venules were richly innervated, abounding in cholinergic nerve endings with vesicles of probably peptidergic character. The glands were located in the posterior portion and were constituted by acini, an intercalated and a striated duct. Acini as well as the intercalated duct showed cholinergic nerve endings and vesicles with also a probably peptidergic character. In conclusion, the conchae of the nasal cavity of the guinea pig showed marked morphological differences in comparison with those of humans.