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

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

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

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

• 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

• Salt gland
• Bird anatomy
• Marine birds

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