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maxillary gland

crustacean anatomy
Also known as: shell 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

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