antennal gland

anatomy

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June 18, 2026

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The antennal gland is one of two types of excretory organs found in crustaceans, the other being the maxillary gland. These glands are crucial for regulating ionic balance and controlling the overall salt and water balance within the crustacean's body.1

The antennal gland, also known as a green gland in some higher crustaceans, is located in the head and opens at the base of the antennae. It has a basic structure consisting of an end sac and a convoluted duct, which may expand into a bladder before opening to the exterior. While the antennal gland primarily regulates ionic balance, it has also been shown to reabsorb glucose. Most crustaceans excrete nitrogenous waste, primarily ammonia, through their gills, though some terrestrial forms may produce urea or uric acid. The antennal glands are influenced by factors from the brain and the eyestalk complex, playing a role in osmoregulation.213

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coxal gland
They are called antennal glands or maxillary glands, depending on whether they open at the base of the antennae or at the maxillae. If the tubule adjacent to the excretory pore is green, the gland is called a green gland.
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They are called antennal glands or maxillary glands, depending on whether they open at the base of the antennae or at the maxillae. If the tubule adjacent to the excretory pore is green, the gland is called a green gland.
Read More

crustacean
The excretory system
…are found among crustaceans: the antennal gland and the maxillary gland. Both have the same basic structure: an end sac and a convoluted duct that may expand into a bladder before opening to the outside. In most adult crustaceans only one or the other gland functions. The functional gland may…
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…are found among crustaceans: the antennal gland and the maxillary gland. Both have the same basic structure: an end sac and a convoluted duct that may expand into a bladder before opening to the outside. In most adult crustaceans only one or the other gland functions. The functional gland may…
Read More

excretion
The coxal glands of aquatic arthropods
Each antennal gland is a compact organ formed of a single tubule folded upon itself. When unraveled the tubule is seen to comprise three or four easily recognizable regions. The tubule arises internally as a small sac, the coelomic sac, which opens into a wider region,…
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Each antennal gland is a compact organ formed of a single tubule folded upon itself. When unraveled the tubule is seen to comprise three or four easily recognizable regions. The tubule arises internally as a small sac, the coelomic sac, which opens into a wider region,…
Read More