maxillary gland
Quick Summary
The maxillary gland is one of two types of excretory organs found in crustaceans, the other being the antennal gland. These glands are crucial for osmoregulation, helping to balance salts and water within the crustacean's body. The maxillary gland, also known as a green gland if its tubule is green, is typically located in the head and opens at the base of the maxillae (jaws). While both antennal and maxillary glands share a similar structure of an end sac and a duct, often expanding into a bladder, only one typically functions in adult crustaceans, and this can change throughout their life cycle. These glands primarily regulate ionic balance and can also reabsorb glucose.1234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- coxal gland
…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…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
crustaceanThe excretory system…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 change during the life…
Read More…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 change during the life…
Read More