The green gland, also known as the antennal gland or maxillary gland, is the principal excretory organ in crustaceans like crayfish. It functions similarly to human kidneys, filtering waste products from the blood and eliminating them from the body. The name "green gland" refers to its appearance in some species. The location of the gland's opening determines whether it's termed an antennal gland (opening near the antennae) or a maxillary gland (opening near the maxillae).
- Function: Excretion of waste products from the circulatory and urinary systems. This helps maintain the crayfish's overall health by removing toxic substances.
- Location: Found in crustaceans. The opening location dictates whether it is classified as an antennal gland or maxillary gland.
- Alternative Names: Antennal gland, maxillary gland.
- Analogy: Similar in function to the kidneys in humans.
The term "green gland" is a descriptive name based on the gland's appearance in certain species; it's not a universally used scientific name. Therefore, using the more precise terms "antennal gland" or "maxillary gland" in scientific contexts is preferred. These glands are distinct from other glands like sweat glands, salivary glands, adrenal glands, or the pituitary gland, each having unique functions in different organisms.
