What is located under the tail of domestic rats? - briefly
The area beneath a pet rat’s tail contains the anal opening (anus) surrounded by the perineal skin and a pair of scent glands. These structures are involved in waste elimination and chemical communication.
What is located under the tail of domestic rats? - in detail
The area beneath a domestic rat’s tail consists of several distinct anatomical components. Directly under the skin lies a thin layer of subcutaneous fat that provides insulation and energy storage. Beneath this fat, the tail’s musculature includes the levator caudae and other small muscles that control tail movement and posture.
The tail is supported by a series of vertebrae known as caudal vertebrae. Each vertebra is encased in a protective bony sheath and connected by intervertebral discs that allow flexibility. Surrounding the vertebrae, a network of blood vessels supplies oxygenated blood to the tail tissues, while a parallel system of nerves, primarily branches of the caudal nerve, conveys sensory information and motor signals.
At the terminal end of the tail, two anal (or scent) glands open onto the skin surface. These glands secrete a musky substance used for marking territory and communicating with conspecifics. The glandular ducts are embedded within the dermal layer and are surrounded by smooth muscle that regulates secretion.
Additional structures include lymphatic vessels that drain interstitial fluid, and a thin connective tissue capsule that binds the skin, fat, muscle, and skeletal elements together. Collectively, these components enable the tail to function as a balance organ, a thermoregulatory surface, and a conduit for communication signals.