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Paracloacal glands of Alligator mississippiensis : A histological and histochemical study
Author(s) -
Weldon Paul J.,
Sampson H. Wayne
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1987.tb05118.x
Subject(s) - biology , alligator , anatomy , elastin , connective tissue , lumen (anatomy) , histology , duct (anatomy) , parenchyma , secretion , glycosaminoglycan , capsule , collagen fibres , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , paleontology , genetics , botany
The histology of the paracloacal ‘musk’ glands of adult American alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ) is described. The gland is a single secretory sac with a single duct and a central lumen partially occluded by a central, cylindrical conglomerate of cells and secretion product. The capsule of the gland consists of an outer layer of smooth muscle and an inner layer of connective tissue containing collagen and elastin fibres. Septa carrying blood vessels radiate from the connective tissue layer of the capsule to the border of the central conglomerate. Parenchymal cells containing lipid droplets enlarge from the periphery to the centre of the gland. Secretions formed by degeneration of cells in the central cylinder are concentrated near the secretory duct. Histochemical tests indicate lipids but not mucopolysaccharides in the glandular exudate.