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The avian respiratory system contains some fundamental differences to the mammalian system.

The avian respiratory system contains some fundamental differences to the mammalian system.

==Avian Nasopharynx and Oropharynx==

==Avian Nasal Cavity and Oropharynx==

The nostrils of the bird, which lead into the [[Nasal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|nasal cavity]], may have a flap of horn to protect them, known as the ''Operculum''. The Oral Cavity and the Nasal Cavity of the bird are interconnecting via a slit in the [[Hard Palate|hard palate]] called the ''choana''. Birds lack a [[Soft Palate|soft palate]].

The nostrils of the bird, which lead into the [[Nasal Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|nasal cavity]], may have a flap of horn to protect them, known as the ''Operculum''. The Oral Cavity and the Nasal Cavity of the bird are interconnecting via a slit in the [[Hard Palate|hard palate]] called the ''choana''. Birds lack a [[Soft Palate|soft palate]].

==Avian Lungs==

==Avian Lungs==

Avian [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lungs]] are relatively compact, with a bird's lungs being approximately 50% as large as the lung of a mammal of a similar size. The lungs are unlobed and do not have the capacity to expand due to the fact that they contain cartilage. The lungs are positioned in the craniodorsal region of the body, and are deeply indented by both the thoracic [[Spinal Column - Anatomy & Physiology#Vertebrae and Joints|vertebrae]] and [[Ribs and Sternum - Anatomy & Physiology|ribs]]. Birds do not have a pleural cavity as the lungs do not expand, thus the membranes are not necessary. One '''primary bronchus''' from the [[Trachea - Anatomy & Physiology|trachea]] enters each lung, narrowing as it travels through, and communicates with the '''abdominal air sac'''. This bronchus gives off branches as it travels through the lung, known as '''secondary bronchi'''. Each of these gives off a further 400-500 '''parabronchi''' in the walls of which, [[Gas Exchange - Anatomy & Physiology|gaseous exchange]] takes place.

Avian [[Lungs - Anatomy & Physiology|lungs]] are relatively compact, with a bird's lungs being approximately 50% as large as the lung of a mammal of a similar size. The lungs are unlobed and do not have the capacity to expand due to the close arrangement between the finite gas exchange structures, i.e.the air capillaries and blood capillaries and scanty connective tissue. The lungs are positioned in the craniodorsal region of the body, and are deeply indented by both the thoracic [[Spinal Column - Anatomy & Physiology#Vertebrae and Joints|vertebrae]] and [[Ribs and Sternum - Anatomy & Physiology|ribs]]. Birds do not have a pleural cavity as the lungs do not expand, thus the membranes are not necessary. One '''primary bronchus''' from the [[Trachea - Anatomy & Physiology|trachea]] enters each lung, narrowing as it travels through, and communicates with the '''abdominal air sac'''. This bronchus gives off branches as it travels through the lung, known as '''secondary bronchi'''. Each of these gives off a further 400-500 '''parabronchi'''. The parabronchichi give rise to '''atria'''. The atria form '''infundibulae''' from which the '''air capillaries''' emerge.  It is in the walls of the latter structures that [[Gas Exchange - Anatomy & Physiology|gaseous exchange]] takes place.

==Air Sacs==

==Air Sacs==

{{citation|initiallast = Sjaastad|initialfirst = O.V|2last = Hove|2first = K|finallast = Sand|finalfirst = O|year = 2004|title = Physiology of Domestic Animals|city = Oslo|pub = Scandinavian Veterinary Press}}

{{citation|initiallast = Sjaastad|initialfirst = O.V|2last = Hove|2first = K|finallast = Sand|finalfirst = O|year = 2004|title = Physiology of Domestic Animals|city = Oslo|pub = Scandinavian Veterinary Press}}

[[Category:Avian Respiratory System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Avian Respiratory System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:A&P Done]]

[[Category:A&P Done]]