Definition: A compound tubular gland, located around the eyes and nasal passages in marine animals and birds, the physiology of which figures in water-electrolyte balance. The Pekin duck serves as a common research animal in salt gland studies. A rectal gland or rectal salt gland in the dogfish shark is attached at the junction of the intestine and cloaca and aids the kidneys in removing excess salts from the blood. (Storer, Usinger, Stebbins & Nybakken: General Zoology, 6th ed, p658)
in marine animals & birds only; X ref RECTAL GLAND is found in sharks, rays & skates & is used often in marine electrolyte studies
Other names Rectal Gland; Salt Glands; Rectal Glands; Glands, Salt; Glands, Rectal; Gland, Salt; Gland, Rectal
