Difference between revisions of "Syrinx - Anatomy & Physiology"
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[[Image:Syrinx Anatomy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Anatomy of the Syrinx - Copyright RVC]] | [[Image:Syrinx Anatomy.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Anatomy of the Syrinx - Copyright RVC]] | ||
| − | ==Structure | + | ==Structure== |
*Specialisation of the trachea bifurcation | *Specialisation of the trachea bifurcation | ||
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*Composed of ossified cartilages, vibrating membranes and muscles | *Composed of ossified cartilages, vibrating membranes and muscles | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Function== | ||
*Lateral and medial walls of the primary bronchi are membranous and flutter which produces sound | *Lateral and medial walls of the primary bronchi are membranous and flutter which produces sound | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | *Sound is produced on expiration | |
| − | + | ||
| + | *Increased pressure in the clavicular air sac causes the tympanic membrane of the syrinx to be forced into the lumen and vibrate | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Tension of the membranes is controlled by the tracheolateral muscles | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Each half of the syrinx can function independently allowing 2 different notes to be produced at the same time | ||
==Vasculature== | ==Vasculature== | ||
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*Songbirds have a complex set of syringeal muscles | *Songbirds have a complex set of syringeal muscles | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Parrots have a thick [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] which allows them to make sounds similar to humans | ||
| + | **Sound travels from the syrinx and is modified in the throat, [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] and mouth | ||
==Links== | ==Links== | ||
Revision as of 12:12, 29 July 2008
Introduction
Vocalisation is an important evolutionary ability of birds. The extend of song varies in different avian species from complex pitches, patterns and rhythms in song birds to the amusing squawk of penguins. Birds lack vocal folds and so sound is produced in the syrinx.
Structure
- Specialisation of the trachea bifurcation
- Located at the caudal end of the trachea and at the beginning of the primary bronchi
- Tracheal cartilages of the syrinx are complete and sturdy
- Bronchial cartilages are incomplete
- Paired sternotrachealis muscle pulls the trachea towards the syrinx
- Shape and size of syrinx varies between species
- Composed of ossified cartilages, vibrating membranes and muscles
Function
- Lateral and medial walls of the primary bronchi are membranous and flutter which produces sound
- Sound is produced on expiration
- Increased pressure in the clavicular air sac causes the tympanic membrane of the syrinx to be forced into the lumen and vibrate
- Tension of the membranes is controlled by the tracheolateral muscles
- Each half of the syrinx can function independently allowing 2 different notes to be produced at the same time
Vasculature
Innervation
Lymphatics
Histology
Species Differences
- Drakes and Cobs (male swans) have an enlarged osseous bulla on the left side of the syrinx which acts as a resonator
- Songbirds have a complex set of syringeal muscles
- Parrots have a thick tongue which allows them to make sounds similar to humans
- Sound travels from the syrinx and is modified in the throat, tongue and mouth