SALT GLAND Meaning and
Definition
-
A salt gland is a specialized organ found in certain animals, especially marine birds and reptiles, that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of salt and water within their bodies. Also known as a supraorbital gland or nasal gland, it is usually located above the eyes or within the nasal passage.
The primary function of a salt gland is to excrete excess salt from the animal's bloodstream while conserving water. Marine birds and reptiles often consume seawater as there is limited access to freshwater in their natural habitats. However, seawater has a higher salt concentration than their bodies can tolerate. The salt gland acts as a filtration system, separating excess salt from the bloodstream and secreting it through specialized ducts.
During the secretion process, salt glands actively reabsorb necessary ions such as sodium and chloride from the extracted saltwater. These ions are then transported back into the animal's bloodstream while excess salt is expelled through the nasal passages or special ducts, allowing the animal to expel hyperosmotic urine or nasal secretions.
Salt glands vary in structure and location depending on the species. For instance, in marine birds like albatrosses and penguins, the salt glands are usually located above their eyes under the skin and can be activated as needed. In contrast, reptiles such as sea turtles and marine iguanas possess salt glands within their nasal passages.
Overall, salt glands provide an essential physiological adaptation that enables certain animals to thrive in their saline environments by effectively managing their salt levels and conserving precious water resources.
Common Misspellings for SALT GLAND
- aalt gland
- zalt gland
- xalt gland
- dalt gland
- ealt gland
- walt gland
- szlt gland
- sslt gland
- swlt gland
- sqlt gland
- sakt gland
- sapt gland
- saot gland
- salr gland
- salf gland
- salg gland
- saly gland
- sal6 gland
- sal5 gland
- salt fland
Etymology of SALT GLAND
The word "salt gland" is a compound composed of two separate words: "salt" and "gland".
1. Salt: The English word "salt" originates from the Old English word "sealt" and is related to the Dutch word "zout" and the German word "Salz". All of these words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*saltaz". This, in turn, is derived from the Latin word "sal", which means "salt" or "salty".
2. Gland: The term "gland" also has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin word "glandula", meaning "acorn" or "gland", which referred to the organ's shape. "Glandula" is a diminutive form of "glans", meaning "acorn". The term was later used to describe the secretory organ found in animals as well.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
