The chemistry and histology of sexually dimorphic mental glands in the freshwater turtle, Mauremys leprosa.

ABSTRACT: Despite evidence from anatomy, behavior and genomics indicating that the sense of smell in turtles is important, our understanding of chemical communication in this group is still rudimentary. Our aim was to describe the microanatomy of mental glands (MGs) in a freshwater turtle, Mauremys leprosa (Geoemydidae), and to assess the chemical composition of their secretions with respect to variation among individuals and between sexes. MGs are paired sac-like organs on the gular region of the neck and are dimorphic in this species with males having fully functional holocrine glands while those of females appear non-secretory and vestigial. In adult males, the glandular epithelium of the inner portion of the gland provides exocytotic products as well as cellular debris into the lumen of the glan

SUBMITTER: Ibanez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7233278 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature