Scent gland

Scent gland
The arrow is pointing to the metatarsal gland of a Sika deer
Details
Identifiers
Latinglandula odorifera
MeSHD012543
Anatomical terminology

Scent gland are exocrine glands found in most mammals. They produce semi-viscous secretions which contain pheromones and other semiochemical compounds. These odor-messengers indicate information such as status, territorial marking, mood, and sexual behaviour. The odor may be subliminal—not consciously detectable. Though it is not their primary function, the salivary glands may also function as scent glands in some animals.