Respiratory function and mechanics in pinnipeds and cetaceans

View/ Open
Date
2017-05-17Author
Fahlman, Andreas
Concept link
Moore, Michael J.
Concept link
Garcia-Parraga, Daniel
Concept link
Metadata
Show full item recordCitable URI
https://hdl.handle.net/1912/8996As published
https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.126870DOI
10.1242/jeb.126870Keyword
Compliance; Marine mammal; Lung function; Respiratory flow; Tidal volume; Residual volume; Total lung capacity; Respiratory frequency; Alveolar collapseAbstract
In this Review, we focus on the functional properties of the respiratory system of pinnipeds and cetaceans, and briefly summarize the underlying anatomy; in doing so, we provide an overview of what is currently known about their respiratory physiology and mechanics. While exposure to high pressure is a common challenge among breath-hold divers, there is a large variation in respiratory anatomy, function and capacity between species – how are these traits adapted to allow the animals to withstand the physiological challenges faced during dives? The ultra-deep diving feats of some marine mammals defy our current understanding of respiratory physiology and lung mechanics. These animals cope daily with lung compression, alveolar collapse, transient hyperoxia and extreme hypoxia. By improving our understanding of respiratory physiology under these conditions, we will be better able to define the physiological constraints imposed on these animals, and how these limitations may affect the survival of marine mammals in a changing environment. Many of the respiratory traits to survive exposure to an extreme environment may inspire novel treatments for a variety of respiratory problems in humans.
Description
Author Posting. © Company of Biologists, 2017. This article is posted here by permission of Company of Biologists for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of Experimental Biology 220 (2017): 1761-1773, doi:10.1242/jeb.126870.
Collections
Suggested Citation
Journal of Experimental Biology 220 (2017): 1761-1773Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Modeling the influence of environmental factors on human respiratory irritation from natural exposures to Karenia brevis aerosols
Kirkpatrick, Gary; Kirkpatrick, Barbara; Hitchcock, Gary; Hoagland, Porter (2015-11-11)The Coupled Natural and Human Systems program of US National Science Foundation is supporting our effort to elucidate linkages between harmful algal blooms and associated impacts on human health, society and economy of ... -
Modelling interactions of acid–base balance and respiratory status in the toxicity of metal mixtures in the American oyster Crassostrea virginica
Macey, Brett M.; Jenny, Matthew J.; Williams, Heidi R.; Thibodeaux, Lindy K.; Beal, Marion; Almeida, Jonas S.; Cunningham, Charles; Mancia, Annalaura; Warr, Gregory W.; Burge, Erin J.; Holland, A. Fredrick; Gross, Paul S.; Hikima, Sonomi; Burnett, Karen G.; Burnett, Louis; Chapman, Robert W. (2009-11-12)Heavy metals, such as copper, zinc and cadmium, represent some of the most common and serious pollutants in coastal estuaries. In the present study, we used a combination of linear and artificial neural network (ANN) ... -
The costs of respiratory illnesses arising from Florida Gulf Coast Karenia brevis blooms
Hoagland, Porter; Jin, Di; Polansky, Lara Y.; Kirkpatrick, Barbara; Kirkpatrick, Gary; Fleming, Lora E.; Reich, Andrew; Watkins, Sharon M.; Ullmann, Steven G.; Backer, Lorraine C. (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2009-05-01)Algal blooms of Karenia brevis, a harmful marine algae, occur almost annually off the west coast of Florida. At high concentrations, K. brevis blooms can cause harm through the release of potent toxins, known as brevetoxins, ...