Zygomatic gland

The zygomatic gland in carnivores corresponds to the compact grouping of dorsal buccal glands. It has also been described in rabbits and camels.

In the dog, the zygomatic gland is triangular in shape and flattened caudomedially. Its surface is lobulated and surrounded by a thin capsule. It covers the lateral two-thirds of the floor of the orbit. It lies dorsally and laterally to the pterygoideus lateralis et pterygoideus medialis muscles, ventrally to the periorbita and the ventral margin of the orbit. It is bordered rostrally and laterally by the orbital surface of the zygomatic bone.

The zygomatic gland has a major zygomatic gland duct which opens onto the zygomatic papilla opposite the first upper molar and much smaller minor zygomatic gland duct.