Britannica Sources used in this answer

How do annelid glands use pores in the cuticle to release mucus?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A pangolin walks through grass with a blue circle around it and the word endangered written in white across the image. — Integument The pangolin is the only mammal in the world covered in scales.

In annelids, the epidermis contains specialized glands that produce mucus. This mucus is released through pores that pierce the animal's thin, horny cuticle, allowing the secretion to reach the surface of the body.1