in taxon capable of capable of confers advantage in confers advantage in sodium ion homeostasis Mammalia Vertebrata <vertebrates> gland salt gland An organ for excreting excess salts. It is found in elasmobranchs, seabirds, and some reptiles.[WP]. BTO:0001204 Wikipedia:Salt_gland In sharks, salt glands are found in the rectum, but in birds and reptiles, they are found in or on the skull, in the area of the eyes, nostrils or mouth. In crocodiles, the salt is excreted through the tongue. Such glands work by active transport via sodium-potassium pump that moves salt from the blood into the gland, where it can be excreted as a concentrated solution. Salt glands function to keep salt balance, and allow marine vertebrates to drink seawater MESH:D012491 GAID:1235 UBERON:0004758