Anatomy

Anal Sacs

A pair of anal glands or sacs, located on either side of the ANUS, that produce and store a dark, foul-smelling fluid in carnivorous animals such as MEPHITIDAE and DOGS. The expelled fluid is used as a defensive repellent (in skunks) or a material to mark territory (in dogs).

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A pair of anal glands or sacs, located on either side of the ANUS, that produce and store a dark, foul-smelling fluid in carnivorous animals such as MEPHITIDAE and DOGS. The expelled fluid is used as a defensive repellent (in skunks) or a material to mark territory (in dogs).

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Anal Glands, Animal
  • Anal Gland, Animal
  • Anal Sac

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

for neopl, coord with ANAL GLAND NEOPLASMS

MeSH Record

History Note

68

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Anus (1966-1967)
  • Carnivora (1966-1967)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. A13.073

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Anal Sacs. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D000695. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D000695
  2. Anal Sacs. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q484651