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The Uropygial gland is a structure located at the base of the tail in many bird species. It is commonly known as the preening gland; it is a modified skin gland with additional functions such as waterproofing, feather maintenance, pheromone production, and defense against microorganisms. Though its presence is documented in many bird species not much is known about this gland histologically. This study was done to histologically examine the uropygial gland in Tinamus major. The tails of five specimens of prehatchling Tinamus major were dissected and examined using paraffin histology. The gland consisted of 5-6 ducts, which branched into smaller ducts, eventually opening into multiple secretory portions, ultimately forming a bilobed structure. These structures were just under the skin, with the ducts opening near the tip of the tail and the glandular aspects closer to the body. The uropygial gland in other species of bird also displays a bi-lobed glandular region. This is not typically described in other flightless birds.
The Uropygial gland is a structure located at the base of the tail in many bird species. It is commonly known as the preening gland; it is a modified skin gland with additional functions such as waterproofing, feather maintenance, pheromone production, and defense against microorganisms. Though its presence is documented in many bird species not much is known about this gland histologically. This study was done to histologically examine the uropygial gland in Tinamus major. The tails of five specimens of prehatchling Tinamus major were dissected and examined using paraffin histology. The gland consisted of 5-6 ducts, which branched into smaller ducts, eventually opening into multiple secretory portions, ultimately forming a bilobed structure. These structures were just under the skin, with the ducts opening near the tip of the tail and the glandular aspects closer to the body. The uropygial gland in other species of bird also displays a bi-lobed glandular region. This is not typically described in other flightless birds.
