Comparative Vertebrate

Physiology

Vertebrate Respiration Systems

 Respiration systems
 Gill
 External invagination
 High surface area

 Lung
 Internal invagination
 Ventilation
Patterns of air flow
Fishes Amphibians

Countercurrent flow
Patterns of air flow
Birds Mammals

Crosscurrent flow Tidal flow

 Reptiles
 Negative intrapulmonary pressure
 All have ribs and intercostal muscles (except
chelonians)
 Crocodiles
 Muscle contraction
 Reptiles
 Chelonians
 Rigid carapace (ribs?) and diaphragm
 Breathe by movement of girdles and muscle
contraction
  Lizards, crocodilians, & turtles - lining isseptate, with lots
of chambers & subchambers
 air exchanged via positive-pressure ventilation
