Organisms

Sperm Whale

The species Physeter catodon (also called Physeter macrocephalus), in the family Physeteridae. The common name is derived from the milky wax substance in its head (spermaceti). The species also produces an intestinal secretion AMBERGRIS, which was previously used in perfumes. The sperm whale is the largest toothed MAMMAL in the world.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The species Physeter catodon (also called Physeter macrocephalus), in the family Physeteridae. The common name is derived from the milky wax substance in its head (spermaceti). The species also produces an intestinal secretion AMBERGRIS, which was previously used in perfumes. The sperm whale is the largest toothed MAMMAL in the world.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Physeter catodon
  • Physeter macrocephalus
  • Whale, Sperm

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

18 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, classification, embryology, genetics, growth & development, immunology, injuries, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, physiology, psychology, surgery, urine, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

do not confuse with the Pygmy Sperm Whale or Dwarf Sperm Whale = WHALES

MeSH Record

History Note

2006; use WHALES 1998-2005

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Cetacea (1965-2005)
  • Whales (1974-2005)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. B01w.050w.150w.900w.649w.313w.875w.865w.750w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Sperm Whale. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D050661. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D050661
  2. Sperm Whale. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sperm_whale
  3. Sperm Whale. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81214