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Lizard Respiratory System (view source)
Revision as of 17:16, 25 February 2010
, 17:16, 25 February 2010no edit summary
* Monitors have multichambered lungs with bronchioles that each end in a faveolus.
* Monitors have multichambered lungs with bronchioles that each end in a faveolus.
* 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.
* 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. When infected, it will fill with secretions and appear as a swelling of the ventral neck.
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.
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.
Some lizards can revert to anaerobic metabolism during prolonged periods of apnea.
==Nares==
==Nares==
==Glottis==
==Glottis==
The hard palate is reduced to allow airflow from the inner nasal opening to the '''glotttis'''. The glottis is generally quite rostral and located at the base of the tongue. It is normally closed except during respiration. This simplifies intubation and tube-feeding.
It is normally closed except during inspiration or expiration. The hard palate is reduced to allow airflow from the inner nasal opening to the glotttis. The glottis is generally quite rostral and located at the base of the tongue. It is normally closed except during respiration. This simplifies intubation and tube-feeding.