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."

Jul 4, 2017 · Cloaca Definition. A cloaca is an orifice through which urine and feces are eliminated in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a few branches of the mammal family tree. It also serves a reproductive function like the vagina in females of these species, and also performs the function of sperm ejaculation in males of some species.