Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/52011
Citations | ||
Scopus | Web of ScienceĀ® | Altmetric |
---|---|---|
?
|
?
|
Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Testing the orbital lubrication hypothesis: the Harderian glands in burrowing skinks (Reptilia: Squamata) |
Author: | Rehorek, S. Hutchinson, M. Firth, B. |
Citation: | Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2009; 87(4):356-365 |
Publisher: | Natl Research Council Canada |
Issue Date: | 2009 |
ISSN: | 0008-4301 1480-3283 |
Statement of Responsibility: | S. J. Rehorek, M. N. Hutchinson, and B. T. Firth |
Abstract: | The Harderian gland is an orbital gland thought to be a source of corneal lubricant, supplementary to the other orbital glands. This study investigated the possible role of skink Harderian glands in corneal lubrication. It was hypothesized that if these glands play a role in corneal lubrication, then the structure of these glands would be affected by structural orbital modifications. We examined the Harderian and lacrimal glands of five species of Australian skinks (Lygosominae), two of which possessed orbital modifications in the form of a transparent immoveable eyelid (spectacle) and skull reduction. All species possessed well-developed posterior lacrimal glands, but no anterior lacrimal glands. Anatomically, the Harderian glands were smaller in the burrowing species relative to the nonburrowing species. No other obvious species-specific differences were observed. The absence of any differentiation at the microscopic level suggests that although there is some change in the relative amount of secretant produced, the nature of the secretion studied by classical histochemistry remains essentially unchanged. However, at higher taxonomic levels, the size and structure of the Harderian gland may be taxon-specific and unrelated to the orbital environment. Thus, orbital lubrication may not necessarily be the sole function of the Harderian gland. |
DOI: | 10.1139/Z09-021 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z09-021 |
Appears in Collections: | Anatomical Sciences publications Aurora harvest Environment Institute publications |
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.