Control of Breathing in Birds

The sections in this article are:

1 Structure of Avian Respiratory System

2 Factors that Affect Breathing

2.1 Respiratory Gases

2.2 Other Factors

3 Afferent Pathways Mediating Respiratory Stimuli

3.1 Chemoreceptors

3.2 Other Receptors

4 Involvement of Receptor Systems in Chemical Control of Breathing

4.1 Vagal Afferents

4.2 Carotid Bodies and O₂ Sensitivity

4.3 Sensitivity to CO₂

5 Central Respiratory Areas

6 Respiration in Special Conditions

6.1 Breathing at Elevated Metabolism

6.2 Breathing in Hot Environments

6.3 Respiration and Diving

6.4 Respiration at High Altitude

7 Conclusions: Control of Breathing in Birds Versus Mammals