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Guttural Pouches - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 19:33, 13 January 2011
, 19:33, 13 January 2011→Function
==Function==
==Function==
The Guttural Pouch is a mechanism for cooling the cerebral blood supply after exercise, due to its close connection with the internal carotid artery.
The function of guttural pouches is largely unknown, however hypotheses have been put forward:
#It may influence internal carotid artery blood pressure. Air pressure varies with phase and forcefulness of respiration and the artery in the mucosal fold is exposed sufficiently to be affected.
#Cerebral blood cooling mechanism. Operates at times of physical stress/exercise, when core body temperature is raised. Vigorous respiration, cool air in guttural pouches, and the exposed artery all lead to cooling of the blood.
==References==
==References==