Salt Glands in the Tongue of the Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus
Abstract
The apparent absence of salt glands in marine and estuarine Crocodilia has long been a puzzle. However, we have identified glands in the tongue of Crocodylus porosus which exude a concentrated secretion of sodium chloride. The glands are similar in ultrastructure to other reptilian salt glands and undoubtedly play a major role in electrolyte regulation.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- May 1981
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.212.4498.1045
- Bibcode:
- 1981Sci...212.1045T