The Structure and Development of the Nasal Glands of Birds
1932
Marples, B. J.
1 The anatomy, histology, and development of the nasal glands are described in several species of birds belonging to seven orders. 2 The position of the glands, above the orbits, the course of the ducts, and the arrangement of the nerves and blood‐vessels are very similar in different species. 3 There are two glands and ducts on each side, one duct opening on the niedian and the other on the lateral wall of the vestibule. 4 In marine species the glands consist of tubules, on all sides of which glandular diverticula radiate out. 5 In terrestrial species the glands are reduced in size, in number of tubules, and especially in the number of the glandular diverticula. 6 The secretion consists of a slimy mass of degenerating cells. 7 The glands are much better developed in marine than in freshwater species, so apparently an important function of the secretion is to protect the lining of the nasal cavity against the effects of sea‐water. 8 In development the ducts grow back from the epithelium of the nasal vestibule as solid strands, and branch to form the tubules of the gland. The lateral glandular diverticula arise as outgrowths from the branches of the ducts. 9 The glands are homologous with the nasal glands of other vertebrates, and are not connected in any way with Jacobson's Organ. 10 The Galliformes, alone amongst the orders which have been investigated, have only the median duct opening on the septum. There is no trace of the outer duct during development in the Fowl. It is suggested that this may be of use in classification. 11 A summary is given of the past work on the nasal glands of birds, most of which has been on their possible connection with Jacobson's Organ.
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