Arterial Vascularization of the Uropygial Glands (Gl. uropygialis) in geese (Anser anser) and ducks (Anas platyrhynches)

• Published in: Anatomia, histologia, embryologia histologia, embryologia, 2000-10, Vol.29 (5), p.291-293
• Main Authors: Aslan, K., Ozcan, S., Kurtul, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Arteries - anatomy & histology; Ducks - anatomy & histology; Exocrine Glands - blood supply; Geese - anatomy & histology; Neovascularization, Physiologic
• ISSN: 0340-2096; 1439-0264
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0264.2000.00274.x

Summary In the present study, arterial vascularization of the uropygial glands (Gl. uropygialis) of 10 adult geese (Anser anser) and 10 adult ducks (Anas platyrhynches) were studied. Takilon was injected into the median coccygeal arteries of six specimens from each species, and Latex (a natural rubber with ammonia) into those of four specimens. Takilon‐injected specimens were corrosion casted, and arteries nourishing the gland were revealed via dissection. Vascularization of the uropygial glands of both the goose and the duck was observed to be the right (a. gl. uropygii dextra), left (a. gl. uropygi sinistra) and ventral (a. gl. uropygi ventralis) glandular uropygial arteries, arising from the median coccygeal (a. coccygea media) artery. Both the right and left glandular uropygial arteries were observed, divided into four branches as follows; muscular ramus (ramus muscularis), medial ramus (ramus medialis), ventral ramus (ramus ventralis) and lateral ramus (ramus lateralis). Of these, as the lateral, medial and ventral branches feed the gland, the muscular branch provides blood for the lateral coccygeal (m. coccygealis lateralis) and levator coccygeal (m. levator coccygealis) muscles, and the skin. Among the arteries mentioned above, anastomosis between the first and the second branches of the right ventral uropygial arteries in the five geese and five ducks was found.