A cloaca (/ k l oʊ ˈ eɪ k ə / ⓘ kloh-AY-kə), pl.: cloacae (/ k l oʊ ˈ eɪ s i / kloh-AY-see or / k l oʊ ˈ eɪ k i / kloh-AY-kee), or vent, is the rear orifice that serves as the only opening for the digestive , reproductive, and urinary tracts (if present) of many vertebrate animals.

The cloaca is a common chamber with only one opening where multiple body systems come together, including the genital, intestinal, and urinary tracts. Simply put, there is no separate anus, reproductive organ, and urethra all with their own exterior access — …

Mar 27, 2025 · The cloaca is a fascinating anatomical feature found in many vertebrates, serving as a single, multi-functional opening for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Think of it as nature’s all-in-one exit point!

Feb 28, 2025 · Cloaca, (Latin: “sewer”), in vertebrates, common chamber and outlet into which the intestinal, urinary, and genital tracts open. It is present in amphibians, reptiles, birds, elasmobranch fishes (such as sharks), and monotremes. A cloaca is not present in placental mammals or in most bony fishes.

— Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 23 Nov. 2017 Sometimes, males will present their cloaca—the single opening for the bird’s digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts—which females inspect, perhaps looking for signs of infection, writes New Scientist’s Christa Lesté-Lasserre.

Jan 14, 2021 · The non-moving collection of urine in humans is a big deal if there is a cloaca. "In kids with cloacas, the problem is mostly infection from the stool into their bladder."

Jan 12, 2025 · Cloaca is a multi-functional orifice in reptiles and birds for excretion, reproduction, and respiration. It serves as the combined exit for feces, urine, and reproductive fluids. Cloaca plays a crucial role in the physiological processes of these species, encompassing waste elimination and reproduction.

The cloaca is a common rear opening in land vertebrates. Through this opening, the animals expel urine and faeces, and carry out reproduction. The cloaca is a primitive or 'basal' feature of tetrapods. All amphibia, all sauropsids (reptiles and birds) …

A cloacal malformation, or simply cloaca, is an anorectal malformation that affects the rectum, urogenital tract, vagina and urethra in females. Females are typically born with three perineal openings: the urethra, vagina and anus.

Oct 7, 2024 · The cloaca is a remarkable anatomical structure, serving as a convergence point for multiple bodily systems. Its design is a testament to evolutionary efficiency, allowing for the integration of reproductive, excretory, and digestive functions.