Violet Gland
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The violet gland, also known as the viola gland, is a specialized scent gland located at the base of the tail on the dorsal side of wolves and foxes. It secretes a fluid with a violet-like scent, which serves to help individuals find one another and likely plays a role in sexual arousal.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
VIOLET GLAND, otherwise known as the viola gland, is a special scent gland located at the base of the tail on the dorsal side in the wolf and fox. The violet gland secretes a fluid with the scent of violets and belongs to scent glands that serve their possessors for finding corresponding individuals and, probably, for sexual arousal. Morphologically, it is a caudal skin gland. Caudal glands are also present in the Russian desman (Myogale moschata) and in the red deer (Cervus elaphus).
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Cite this page
“Violet Gland.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/violet-gland/