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Avian Respiration - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 11:19, 14 August 2008
, 11:19, 14 August 2008no edit summary
*Some marine birds have a ''Salt Gland'' (nasal gland) which excretes sodium.
*Some marine birds have a ''Salt Gland'' (nasal gland) which excretes sodium.
==Larynx==
==Avian Larynx==
*The larynx is on the floor of the oropharynx supported by '''Cricoid''' and paried '''Arytenoid''' Cartilages which are different in structure to those in mammals.
*The larynx is on the floor of the oropharynx supported by '''Cricoid''' and paried '''Arytenoid''' Cartilages which are different in structure to those in mammals.
*There is no Epiglottis.
*There is no Epiglottis.
*There are no vocal folds - birds vocalise using a [[Syrinx - Anatomy & Physiology|syrinx]].
*There are no vocal folds - birds vocalise using a [[Syrinx - Anatomy & Physiology|syrinx]].
==Trachea==
==Avian Trachea==
*The avian trachea is composed of tightly stacked cartilages which are shaped similarly to signet rings. These are complete with no dorsal space as in the mammalian [[Trachea - Anatomy & Physiology|trachea]]. They overlap considerably.
*The avian trachea is composed of tightly stacked cartilages which are shaped similarly to signet rings. These are complete with no dorsal space as in the mammalian [[Trachea - Anatomy & Physiology|trachea]]. They overlap considerably.
*The trachea can be palpated on the right side of the neck; it runs alongside the oesophagus.
*The trachea can be palpated on the right side of the neck; it runs alongside the oesophagus.
*The trachea is lined with [[Respiratory Epithelium - Anatomy & Physiology|Respiratory Epithelium]].
*The trachea is lined with [[Respiratory Epithelium - Anatomy & Physiology|Respiratory Epithelium]].
*The trachea bifurcates as in mammals. The [[Syrinx - Anatomy & Physiology|syrinx]] is formed by this terminal part of the trachea.
*The trachea bifurcates as in mammals. The [[Syrinx - Anatomy & Physiology|syrinx]] is formed by this terminal part of the trachea.
==Avian Lungs==
*The lungs of birds are relatively small, unlobed and do not have the capacity to expand.
*The lungs are positioned in the craniodorsal region of the body, and are deeply indented by both the thoracic vertebrae and ribs.
*Birds do not have a pleural cavity as the lungs do not expand, thus it is not necessary.
==Air Sacs==
==Air Sacs==