Anatomy and Physiology

Question 1

What are the 3 main differences between the integument of birds compared to mammals?

Answer 1

1. Horny beak: modified skin overlying bone
2. Feathers: contour, for streamlining and flight (primary and secondary), plumule (down for insulation), filoplume for sensory structures, eyelashes. Organized into tracts called pterylae
3. Uropygial gland: oil or preen gland found at the base of the tail which provides oil to maintain feathers shape, luster and water repellency

Question 2

What is the normal body temperature of a bird?

Answer 2

105

Question 3

How does air move from the nasal turbinates into the glottis?

Answer 3

Travels through the choanal slit in the roof of the mouth

Question 4

What is the structure in birds that produces their song?

Answer 4

Syrinx- exists at the tracheal bifurcation. Functions similarly to vocal cords
- variation in tension produces vocalizations which are modified by the mouth (tounge)

Question 5

What is the site of gas exchange in birds?

Answer 5

Air capillaries (don’t have dead end alveoli like mammals) that allow for continual gas exchange during both inspiration and expiration

Question 6

What is the disadvantage of the highly efficient gas exchange that occurs in the bird airways?

Answer 6

Toxic gasses can accumulate very quickly

Question 7

Where are the airsacs located?

Answer 7

4 major paired airsacs:
- cervical
- cranial thoracic
- caudal thoracic
- abdominal

1 unpaired: clavicular (tracheal)