Surgical Anatomy of the Guinea Pig Ear

Abstract

The basic anatomy of the guinea pig ear is outlined as background for a description of two surgical approaches to the guinea pig temporal bone. These approaches provide access to the external, middle, and inner ear without significant blood loss or mortality. The superior approach, made by incision at the superior anterior attachment of the auricle and removing the lateral wall of the epitympanic space, exposes the round window, epitympanum, lateral canal, and external auditory canal, leaving the tympanic membrane intact. The inferior approach through the neck exposes the cochlea, Eustachian canal, horizontal and posterior semicircular canals, tympanic membrane, and ossicles.