Anal gland
Glands found near the anus in many mammals / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The anal glands or anal sacs are small glands near the anus in many mammals.[1] They are situated in between the external anal sphincter muscle and internal anal sphincter muscle.[2] In non-human mammals, the secretions of the anal glands contain mostly volatile organic compounds with a strong odor, and they are thus functionally involved in communication. Depending upon the species, they may be involved in territory marking, individual identification, and sexual signalling, as well as defense.[3][better source needed] Their function in humans is unclear.[4]
Sebaceous glands within the lining secrete a liquid that is used for identification of members within a species. These sacs are found in many species of carnivorans,[2] including wolves,[5] bears,[6][7] sea otters[8] and kinkajous.[9]