The Distribution of Sudoriferous Glands in the Hairy Skin of Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.)

Skin samples were taken from forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.) in order to study the distribution of apocrine tubular glands. Glands with well-developed secretory epithelium were restricted to certain areas of the body, namely the foreleg pit, a narrow strip on the belly, the groin and on the legs. Well-developed glands were also found in the oral angle and in the rump patch. The greatest amount was found in the ventral interdigital skin of both fore and hindfeet. In other parts of the body could only the excretory duct and a thin walled extension but no developed secretory epithelium be seen.