Reptiles Flashcards
Reptile Thermoregulation
Ectotherms - derive body heat from surrounding environment, use behaviors (basking/burrowing) to regulate
Preferred optimal Temperature Zone
During anesthesia - should be maintained at high end of POTZ to ensure optimal metabolic function
○ 20-25℃ for most aquatic/temperate
○ 25-35℃ for tropical
Oxygen Consumption
Oxygen consumption rates range from zero to values similar to resting mammals
Function of species, temperature
Metabolic Rates:
○ Varanids/Lacertid lizards > boid snakes/chelonians
○ Surface dwelling > Burrowing
○ Insectivores > Herbivores
○ Higher rates may have more rapid metabolism, excretion (inconclusive)
Non-Crocodilian Heart - Anatomy
Three chambers; two separate atria, single continuous ventricle
Ventricles: divided by Muskelleiste or Muscular ridge
○ Originating from ventral ventricular wall, runs from ventricular apex to base
○ Divides ventricle into two anatomically defined but connected chambers: Cavum Pulmonale (RV) and Cavum Dorsale (LV)
Cavum Dorsale sometimes further divided into Cavum Venosum, Cavum Arteriosum
PM Cells in Cheloians
cardiac muscle constituting sinus venosum acts also as pacemaker of heart
Electrical activity is detectable on the electrocardiogram by the presence of a “SV wave” preceding atrial depolarization
Blood Flow Through Heart Non-Crocodilian Reptile Heart
Shunting Normally Present
During ventricular systole: muscular ridge presses against dorsal wall of ventricle, separates Cavum pulmonale from Cavum dorsale
Crocodilian Heart
Two divided atria, two ventricles
More similar to mammals but with adaptations to aquatic lifestyle
○ Subpulmonary Conus in pulmonary outflow tract of RV
○ Aortic anastomosis that connects two aortic arches
Foramen of Panizza
Foreman of Panizza
Small window located between interventricular septum at confluence of left right aortic arches
■ Acts as a pressure valve allowing blood to flow between venous, arterial systems
■ Flow from high pressure to low pressure leads to venous admixture
Direction of Shunting through Foreman of Panizza During Respiration
LV pressure greater allowing small amount of oxygenated blood to flow through FofP into venous blood supply
Direction of Shunting through FoP during Submersion
Held air in lungs restricts pulmonary capillary blood flow → Pulmonary hypertension → Increased RV and Pulmonary Arterial pressure ⇛ R-to-L shunt through PofF
● Deox blood diverted from lungs through left aortic arch to stomach and liver (↓ O2 sensitive)
● Oxy blood diverted to heart and brain
Combo of blood shunting and anaerobic metabolism may allow submersion for 5-6 hours!
Direction of Net Shunt in Both Non-Crococdilian, Crocodilian Hearts
Direction of NET shunt determines whether systemic or pulmonary circulation receives majority of CO
Size, direction controlled by pressure differences in the pulmonary and systemic circulations
Controlled by cholinergic, adrenergic factors that regulate Vascular Resistance
Which reptilian species has a particular large intracardiac shunt?
Turtles, which have poorly developed ventricular separation and similar pulmonary and systemic arterial blood pressures
Effect of Shunting on Anesthesia
○ Sudden changes in levels, directions = sudden/unexpected awakening
○ Implications for monitoring of airway gas monitoring and pulse oximetry (SpO2 useless)
Function of Shunting
- Serves to stabilize O2 content of blood during respiratory pauses
- R-to-L shunt facilitates heating by increased systemic blood flow
- R-to L shunt directs blood away from lungs during breath holds
Reptilian Blood Pressure
Systemic pressures vary greatly by species - inability of reptiles to regulate homeostasis independent of temperature and environment
○ Reported MAP ranges: SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN MAMMALS
■ Chelonians: 15-30 mmHg
■ Varanids (lizards): 60-80 mmHg
■ Green Iguana: 40-50 mmHg
■ Snakes - dependent on “gravitational stress”
● Arboreal > Aquatic
Allometric relationship reported: as body mass increases, so does MAP
Pulmonary System of Reptilians
■ Lower O2 consumption due to decreased metabolic rate
■ Lungs of non-crocodilian species are suspended freely in pleuroperitoneal cavity
Sac-like with varying degree of partitioning
○ Smaller respiratory surface area relative to lung volume
○ Highly aerobic species - numerous septae, invaginations to increase gas exchange surface area
Lungs of Non-Crocodilian Reptiles
–Suspended free in pleuroperitoneal cavity - no diaphragm
–Highly aerobic species
–Chelonians, lizards: paired lungs
–Snakes: functional RIGHT LUNG, tracheal lung (unknown significance)
Trachea of Reptiles
● Complete tracheal rings in chelonians and proximal bifurcation
● Snakes possess a “tracheal lung” of unknown significance
Lizards, snakes = incomplete rings
Crocodiles = complete rings
What are the functional units of the reptilian lung?
Ediculi and Faveoli (analogous to mammalian alveoli)
NO TRUE ALVEOLI
Role of the Glottis During Respiration in Non Croc Reptiles
Glottis closed during most of respiratory cycle, opening only during inspiration and expiration
Movement of Respiration in Non-Croc Reptiles
Lack of diaphragm - rely on thoracic musculature for respiration
Inspiration and expiration are ACTIVE
Muscles for respiration same as those for locomotion: resp and locomotion cannot occur simultaneously
Respiration in Chelonians
expansion of thoracic cavity not possible due to attachment of lungs to carapace dorsally and abdominal viscera ventrally
○ Inspiration: enlarging visceral cavity
○ Expiration: forcing viscera up against lungs to drive air out
■ Contraction of posterior abdominal muscles and pectoral girdle muscles
Non Croc Reptiles Control of Resp
Interaction between central system generating pattern of respiration and afferent chemoreceptor input most likely
CO2 partial pressure and pH important for stimulation
■ O2 tension may play role in normal ventilation, variable responses to inspired CO and O2
“Episodic Breathers”
■ Bursts of activity followed by a pause of varying duration
Pulmonary Vascular Perfusion intermittent - changes are in concert with rate and rhythm
○ Ambient temperature may have variable effects on RR, TV and MV