Soolerekkude

Soolerekkude, a term originating from Estonian, translates to "salt gland" in English. These specialized glands are found in various species, particularly marine and some terrestrial animals, and play a crucial role in osmoregulation, the process of maintaining a stable internal salt and water balance within the body.

The primary function of a salt gland is to excrete excess salt from the body. This is especially important for animals living in environments where they ingest large amounts of salt, such as seabirds, marine reptiles, and certain desert mammals. The glands extract salt from the bloodstream and excrete it in a concentrated solution, often through specialized ducts. In seabirds, for example, salt glands are typically located above the eyes and the concentrated salt solution drips from the nostrils. For marine reptiles, the glands can be located near the eyes or in the mouth.

The efficiency of salt glands varies among species, reflecting their specific ecological niches and salt loads. The evolution of salt glands has allowed these animals to thrive in habitats that would be uninhabitable for many other organisms, enabling them to conserve water and maintain cellular function despite high environmental salinity. Research into salt glands continues to provide insights into physiological adaptations and the diverse strategies employed by life to cope with environmental challenges.