Buccal Oscillation

[Dick Biondi]

Dick Biondi

September 22, 2008 at 4:09 pm #22169

Attachments : Group, In turtles, this observed undulation in the lower neck region, in or out of the water, may be an example of BUCCAL OSCILLATION, rather than GULAR PUMPING. The snippet below does not mention turtles, but I___m sure further research will confirm that the activity applies to turtles as well. Elizabeth L. Brainerd, University of Massachusetts Amherst Buccal pump Used for lung ventilation by amphibians and air-breathing fishes. Retraction and depression of the hyobranchium draws air into the buccal cavity (oropharynx) either through the nares or the mouth. The mouth and nares are then sealed and the hyobranchium is protracted and elevated to force air into the lungs. Buccal oscillation Non-ventilatory expansion and compression of the buccal cavity, performed with the mouth closed. Air is drawn into the buccal cavity through the nares and is pumped out again without entering the lungs. Buccal oscillation behavior is seen in amphibians, non-serpentine squamates (“lizards”) and crocodilians. Buccal oscillation draws air over the nasal epithelia and is thought to contribute to olfaction in these groups (it is analogous to mammalian sniffing, but decoupled from lung ventilation.) Gular flutter Non-ventilatory expansion and compression of the buccal cavity, performed with the mouth open. Gular flutter behavior is seen in crocodilians, birds and a few non-serpentine squamates (“lizards”). This behavior is associated with heat stress and is thought to contribute to evaporative cooling. Gular pump Contributes to lung ventilation during exercise in some non-serpentine squamates (“lizards”). The gular pump is very similar in function to the buccal pump used by air-breathing fishes and amphibians, but the hyobranchium is generally situated more in the throat (gular) region and the mechanism for sealing the nares is different in amphibians and “lizards”. << Back to video clips Dick

[Author]

Posts