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Respiration in Non-Homeotherms - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 13:15, 9 September 2008
, 13:15, 9 September 2008no edit summary
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==Fish==
==Fish==
The Respiratory surface is composed of '''Faveoli''', honeycomb shaped structures which line the walls.
The Respiratory surface is composed of '''Faveoli''', honeycomb shaped structures which line the walls.
In addition, reptiles have a poorly developed mucocillary escalator, and rely on body positioning to clear mucous from the respiratory system.
===Lizards===
===Lizards===
===Snakes===
===Snakes===
*Larynx projects medially from the floor of the mouth and is fused with the first few cartilage rings of the trachea. This forms a rigid '''Glottis'''.
*Larynx projects medially from the floor of the mouth and is fused with the first few cartilage rings of the trachea. This forms a rigid '''Glottis''' which is highly mobile and can be displaced laterally to allow breathing during feeding.
*Tongue is fixed at the rostral point of the oral cavity.
*Tongue is fixed at the rostral point of the oral cavity.
*Generally only the right lung is present. The lung of snakes is very fragile.
*Generally only the right lung is present, or at least functional - ''colubrids'' have a vestigial left lung. The lung of snakes is very fragile.
*Inspiration is an active process, made possible by expansion of the ribs. It occurs approx once every 30 seconds in large, healthy snakes. Expiration is a passive prcoess.
*Inspiration is an active process, made possible by expansion of the ribs. It occurs approx once every 30 seconds in large, healthy snakes. Expiration is a passive prcoess.
*Snakes have no vocal cords, but are able to make hissing noises by passing air through the glottis.
*Aquatic snakes have an air sacs which serves as a bouyancy aid.
===Chelonians===
===Chelonians===
*Chelonians have adapted a '''dive reflex''' which enables them to respire anaerobically. They have extremely high levels of bicarbonate in their blood which allows them to buffer the lactic acid produced.
*Chelonians have an extremely short trachea in relation to their size.
*Have paired lungs in the '''Dorsal Cavity'''. Intestines etc lie in the '''Ventral Cavity'''. These are separated by a diaphragmatic septum which has no muscular part.
*Have paired lungs in the '''Dorsal Cavity'''. Intestines etc lie in the '''Ventral Cavity'''. These are separated by a diaphragmatic septum which has no muscular part.
*Lungs are ventilated by leg movement in terrestrial animals.
*Lungs are ventilated by leg movement in terrestrial animals, and have highly developed trunk muscles to facilitate this. Aquatic species are able to respire due to the hydrostatic pressure of water, which forces air in and out of the lungs.