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A review of cetacean lung morphology and mechanics
Author(s) -
Piscitelli Marina A.,
Raverty Stephen A.,
Lillie Margo A.,
Shadwick Robert E.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.20192
Subject(s) - respiratory physiology , biology , diversity (politics) , function (biology) , lung , lung function , morphology (biology) , anatomy , respiratory system , evolutionary biology , zoology , medicine , anthropology , sociology
Cetaceans possess diverse adaptations in respiratory structure and mechanics that are highly specialized for an array of surfacing and diving behaviors. Some of these adaptations and air management strategies are still not completely understood despite over a century of study. We have compiled the historical and contemporary knowledge of cetacean lung anatomy and mechanics in regards to normal lung function during ventilation and air management while diving. New techniques are emerging utilizing pulmonary mechanics to measure lung function in live cetaceans. Given the diversity of respiratory adaptations in cetaceans, interpretations of these results should consider species‐specific anatomy, mechanics, and behavior. J. Morphol. 274:1425–1440, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.