Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Sexually active males of the family Blenniidae develop distinctive
glandular swellings of the anal fins. These glands can be divided
into four groups on the basis of their shape and whether they appear
on the anal fin spines or rays or both. Examples of each group, when
studied microscopically, show the same histological pattern. This
pattern includes three layers of tissue, the outermost of which contains
characteristic barrel-shaped groupings of cells called "microglands".
These anal fin glands are compared histologically to similar structures
on the dorsal fins of some blenniids and the anal fins of certain
clinids. The microscopic structure of the anal fin glands is distinctive
and characteristic.
glandular swellings of the anal fins. These glands can be divided
into four groups on the basis of their shape and whether they appear
on the anal fin spines or rays or both. Examples of each group, when
studied microscopically, show the same histological pattern. This
pattern includes three layers of tissue, the outermost of which contains
characteristic barrel-shaped groupings of cells called "microglands".
These anal fin glands are compared histologically to similar structures
on the dorsal fins of some blenniids and the anal fins of certain
clinids. The microscopic structure of the anal fin glands is distinctive
and characteristic.
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