Comparative Survey of the Anal Glands of Birds

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The occurrences and characteristics of anal glands in birds were appraised by the study of serial histological sections of the anal-cloacal region from 86 specimens, representing 72 species and 42 families. These glands were found in most but not all groups of birds, and revealed differences in organization, structure, and staining which warrant further study. The glands appeared to have always originated from, and to secrete unto, stratified squamous epithelium, which was sometimes keratinized, and variably external or internal in relation to the anal opening. The secretory cells and their products were well stained by the periodic acid-Schiff and the alcian blue techniques and were of the mucus-secreting type. The function(s) of the glands remain unknown although significance in the mechanics of internal fertilization in 1 species has been suggested.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: