Biological Systems in Vertebrates, Vol. 1: Functional Morphology of the Vertebrate Respiratory Systems

by J N Maina

Overview

Gives an account of the morphologies of vertebrate respiratory organs and attempts to explicate the basis of the common and different structural and functional designs and stratagems that have evolved for acquisition of molecular oxygen. The book has been written with a broad readership in mind: students of biology as well as experts in the disciplines of zoology, physiology, morphology, biological microscopy, biomedical engineering, and ecology and those that work or may contemplate working on materials and aspects concerning respiration in whole organisms will find it useful. Scientists in earth sciences with particular interest on the outcomes of past interactions between environmental factors (the physical domain) and evolution and adaptation (the biological domain), mechanisms that have set the composition, patterning, and anatomies of extant animal life, will find the book of interest.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578082520
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/10/2002
Series:	Biological Systems in Vertebrates , #1
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	8.88(w) x 12.00(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Preface, Acknowledgements,1. Respiration—Fundamental Principles and Concepts, 2. Gills, 3. Skin, 4. Swim (Air) Bladder, 5. Transitional (Bimodal) Breathers, 6. Amphibian Lung, 7. Reptilian Lung, 8. Avian Lung, 9. Mammalian Lung, 10. Summary and Conclusions, References and Works to Consult, Index

Editorial Reviews

In this first volume of a new series, Maina (School of Anatomical Sciences, U. of the Witwatersrand) discusses the morphologies of vertebrate respiratory organs and structures, explaining the differences among functional designs and strategies that have developed in order to facilitate the acquisition of molecular oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide. Geared towards a wide range of readers (students of biology, experts in zoology, physiology, morphology, biological microscopy, biomedical engineering, paleontology, ecology, etc.), the first chapter outlines fundamental factors that prescribed the design of the gas exchangers and the principles upon which the constructions were founded, with subsequent chapters sequenced to show the progressive developments in the evolution of vertebrate respiratory organs approximately in the order in which they occurred. Illustrated with 97 full page b&w images, a four-page section of color photographs, and several b&w drawings. Distributed by Enfield. Oversize: 9x12". Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR