Posterior Respiratory Apparatus of Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis : Structure and Ultrastructure

SUMMARY: This study aimed to characterize the structures of the posterior respiratory system of two species of river dolphins: Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis. The respiratory tract of both species was evaluated using macro and microscopic techniques. Four macroscopic anatomical structures were identified: Trachea, main bronchus, tracheal bronchus and lung. The presence of the exuberant tracheal bronchus suggested ease of gas exchanges. Histological analysis revealed the presence of alveolar ducts and myoelastic sphincter in these Amazonian cetaceans. The posterior respiratory portion of the Amazonian dolphins presents similarity with other odontocetes and the knowledge of this structure can also help contribute to the understanding of the physiology of diving and how these species are adapted to their habitat.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Santos Júnior,Luzivaldo Castro dos, Marmontel,Miriam, Santos,Francisco Glauco de Araújo, Rici,Rose Eli Grassi, Miglino,Maria Angélica, Carvalho,Yuri Karaccas de
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedad Chilena de Anatomía 2017
Online Access:	http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-95022017000401582
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