− | Almost no skin glands occur in snakes, but [[Cloaca|coacal]] scent glands (anal glands) are present. They occur at the base of the tail, dorsal to the [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] in a male, and open into the posterior margin of the cloaca. These organs play a role in defense resulting from their unpleasant odour, which may also carry socail signals. These may become enlarged, impacted, or abscessed in captivity. | + | Almost no skin glands occur in snakes, but [[Cloaca|coacal]] scent glands (anal glands) are present. They occur at the base of the tail, dorsal to the [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] in a male, and open into the posterior margin of the cloaca. These organs play a role in defense resulting from their unpleasant odour, which may also carry social signals. These may become enlarged, impacted, or abscessed in captivity. |