Preorbital gland

Preorbital gland

The preorbital gland is a type of gland found in various animal species. It is a pheromone-producing gland, located near the eye, in the orbital ring. The preorbital gland is used by animals for communication and territorial marking.

Etymology

The term "preorbital" is derived from the Latin words "prae", meaning "before", and "orbis", meaning "circle" or "eye". Thus, "preorbital" refers to the location of the gland, which is in front of the eye socket.

Function

The preorbital gland secretes a clear, viscous liquid that is used by animals for various purposes. The primary function of the gland is to produce pheromones, which are chemical signals used for communication between animals of the same species. The gland is also used for territorial marking, with the animal rubbing the gland against trees or other objects to leave a scent mark.

Species with preorbital glands

Preorbital glands are found in a number of animal species, including some mammals, reptiles, and birds. In mammals, they are most commonly found in deer and antelope. Some species of primates, including humans, also have preorbital glands, although they are not functional.

See also

• Scent gland
• Pheromone
• Animal communication

References

Preorbital gland Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia