Supraorbital gland
Supraorbital gland is a term used in anatomy to refer to a gland located above the orbit of the eye in some animals. The term is most commonly used in the context of bird anatomy, where the supraorbital gland plays a crucial role in osmoregulation.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "supraorbital" is derived from the Latin words "supra," meaning "above," and "orbital," referring to the orbit of the eye. The term "gland" comes from the Latin "glandula," meaning a small acorn, which was used to describe these structures due to their shape.
Function[edit | edit source]
In birds, the supraorbital gland is responsible for the excretion of excess salt. This is particularly important for marine birds, who consume a diet high in salt. The gland effectively filters out the salt from the bloodstream, which is then excreted through the nostrils.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The supraorbital gland is located above the eye, in the supraorbital depression. It is a large, elongated structure, often visible as a swelling on the forehead of the bird. The gland is connected to the nostril via a duct, through which the excreted salt is transported.
Related Terms[edit | edit source]
- Orbit (anatomy): The cavity or socket of the skull in which the eye and its appendages are situated.
- Gland: An organ in the human or animal body which secretes particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings.
- Osmoregulation: The homeostatic regulation of an organism's osmotic pressure of bodily fluids to maintain the homeostasis of the organism's water content.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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