GLANDULA CIRCUMANALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Glandula circumanalis refers to the anatomical structure known as the circum-anal gland. It is a type of exocrine gland found in certain species of animals, mainly in rodents. This gland is located around the anus in a ring-like arrangement and is responsible for the secretion of specific substances.
The glandula circumanalis is composed of numerous small glandular units that are interconnected through a network of ducts. These units produce and release a mixture of pheromones, volatile compounds, and other chemical substances. The secretions from these glands are often odoriferous and play crucial roles in communication, sexual attraction, and territorial marking within the species.
In some species, the glandula circumanalis may exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females possess different types of glands or secrete distinct compounds. These secretions are usually used for intraspecies recognition, identification of individuals, or to indicate reproductive status.
The glandula circumanalis has been extensively studied in rodents, particularly in mice and rats. However, it is worth noting that similar glandular structures can also be found in other animals, such as certain primates and carnivores, although they may not be as well-developed or serve the same functions.
Overall, the glandula circumanalis is an important anatomical feature that contributes to species-specific communication and social behaviors, particularly in rodents. Its secretions play an essential role in various aspects of reproduction, territory establishment, and social hierarchy within a given animal population.
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One of the large sweat glands surrounding the anus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLANDULA CIRCUMANALIS
- g landula circumanalis
- gl andula circumanalis
- gla ndula circumanalis
- glan dula circumanalis
- gland ula circumanalis
- glandu la circumanalis
- glandul a circumanalis
- glandula c ircumanalis
- glandula ci rcumanalis
- glandula cir cumanalis
- glandula circ umanalis
- glandula circu manalis
- glandula circum analis
- glandula circuma nalis
- glandula circuman alis
- glandula circumana lis
- glandula circumanal is
- glandula circumanali s
Etymology of GLANDULA CIRCUMANALIS
The phrase "glandula circumanalis" does not have a direct etymology as it seems to be a combination of Latin words. However, breaking it down into its components might help to understand its meaning:
1. Glandula: In Latin, "glandula" means "gland" or "little acorn". It is derived from the noun "glans" which specifically refers to the acorn fruit.
2. Circumanalis: This appears to be a combination of two Latin words – "circum" meaning "around" or "near" and "analis" meaning "pertaining to the anus".
Therefore, "glandula circumanalis" could be interpreted as "around the gland" or "near the gland pertaining to the anus". However, it is important to note that this term does not have a well-established definition in modern medical terminology.
