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Definition of Cloaca

by Lianne McLeod, DVM
for About.com

Definition: A duct or chamber into which the intestinal tract, urinary tract, and reproductive tracts empty. The cloaca then has a single opening where all waste matter as well as reproductive materials exit the body. It is found in birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as some mammals ie.g. marsupials).
Pronunciation: clo-ay-ka
Also Known As: Vent
Examples:
Birds lay eggs as well as urinate and defecate via the cloaca.

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