Changes

==Lungs==

==Lungs==

The lungs are simple sacs with internal folds for an increased surface area, unlike the more complex structure of mammalian lungs. The trachea divides into two bronchii which open into the lungs without bronchioles. Respiration, which is voluntary and dependant on blood carbon dioxide pressure and temperature, is aided by expansion and contraction of the ribs as lizards lack a diaphragm.

The trachea divides into two bronchii which open into the lungs without bronchioles. The lungs are simple hollow sacs with internal folds lined with faveoli (small sacs) for an increased surface area. In more advanced lizards, the lungs are further divided into interconnected chambers by few large septae.

 

* Chameleons have hollow, smooth-sided finger-like projections on the margins of their lungs used to inflate the body in response to predators. Some chameleons also have an accessory lung lobe projecting from the anterior trachea cranial to their forelimbs.

 

Respiration, which is voluntary and dependant on blood carbon dioxide pressure and temperature, is aided by expansion and contraction of the ribs as lizards lack a diaphragm.

In many lizards gas exchange occurs in the cranial part of the lung, while the caudal portion of the lung is analagous to the avian air sac.

In many lizards gas exchange occurs in the cranial part of the lung, while the caudal portion of the lung is analagous to the avian air sac.

==Nares==

==Nares==

Nasal salt glands are present in herbivorous iguanid lizards such as the green iguana. These excrete excessive sodium and potassium when the plasma osmotic concentration is high. Lizards achieve this by sneezing, which expels a clear fluid that dries to a fine white powder consisting of salts. This mechanism should not be mistaken for a upper respiratory infection as it is a normal physiologic process allowing water conservation. Located anterior in the roof of the mouth, the paired internal nares are a common site for discharges to accumulate and therefore a good sampling site for bacteriology when a respiratory infection is present or suspected.

Nasal salt glands are present in herbivorous iguanid lizards such as the green iguana. These excrete excessive sodium and potassium when the plasma osmotic concentration is high. Lizards achieve this by sneezing, which expels a clear fluid that dries to a fine white powder consisting of salts. This mechanism should not be mistaken for a upper respiratory infection as it is a normal physiologic process allowing water conservation. Anterior in the roof of the mouth, the paired internal nares are a common site for discharges to accumulate and therefore a good sampling site for bacteriology when a respiratory infection is present or suspected.

==Glottis==

==Glottis==