ABSTRACT
In this investigation, macroscopic, microscopic, and histochemical structures of major salivary glands in ten adult camels of both sexes were studied. Results of macroscopic observations indicate that parotid salivary gland of camel is similar to that of small ruminants with only difference in site of excretory orifice of its duct. Structure of submandibular salivary gland is similar to that of the cattle, but the course of the submandibular duct is like that of the sheep. Sublingual salivary gland has both, polystomatic and monostomatic parts, similar to that of other ruminants, but the excretory orifice of common duct formed by the sublingual and submandibular salivary gland is different compared to that of the other ruminants. Histological investigations revealed that the parotid salivary gland is compound tubulo-alveolar with serous nature. Submandibular gland is compound tubulo-acinar identified as a seromucous gland and sublingual gland is both tubulo-acinar and tubulo-alveolar in male and only tubulo-acinar in female. Seromucosal nature of sublingual gland has been proved in both sexes, but the serosal secretory units in male's gland are formed as the serosal islets. Results of histochemical studies indicate that submandibular and sublingual glands contain both neutral and acidic mucosubstances. On the other hands, parotid gland is generally negative for both substances