A review of cetacean lung morphology and mechanics
Abstract
Cetaceans possess diverse adaptations in respiratory structure and mechanics that are highly specialized for an array of surfacing and diving behaviors. Some of these adaptations and air management strategies are still not completely understood despite over a century of study. We have compiled the historical and contemporary knowledge of cetacean lung anatomy and mechanics in regards to normal lung function during ventilation and air management while diving. New techniques are emerging utilizing pulmonary mechanics to measure lung function in live cetaceans. Given the diversity of respiratory adaptations in cetaceans, interpretations of these results should consider species-specific anatomy, mechanics, and behavior.
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Explosive air exchange is facilitated by extensive elastic tissue in the lungs that permits a greater expansion during inhalation and whose elastic recoil helps to empty the lungs quickly.
“Explosive air exchange is facilitated by extensive elastic tissue in the lungs that permits a greater expansion during inhalation and whose elastic recoil helps to empty the lungs quickly53.”
From A genomics approach reveals insights into the importance of gene losses for mammalian adaptations (2018) · cites this paper as [53]
Cites
Gehr, P., Mwangi, D. K., Ammann, A., Maloiy, G. M. O., Richard Taylor, C., & Weibel, E. R. (1981) · Respiration Physiology · doi:10.1016/0034-5687(81)90077-3 · Cited by 288 · see citing works
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A genomics approach reveals insights into the importance of gene losses for mammalian adaptations
Sharma, V., Hecker, N., Roscito, J. G., Foerster, L., Langer, B. E., & Hiller, M. (2018) · Nature Communications · doi:10.1038/s41467-018-03667-1 · Cited by 237 · see citing works
- Authors
- Piscitelli, M. A., Raverty, S. A., Lillie, M. A., & Shadwick, R. E.
- Affiliations
- University of British Columbia (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Piscitelli, Marina A.
- Venue
- Journal of Morphology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2013-09-11
- Volume
- 274
- Issue
- 12
- Pages
- 1425-1440
- ISSN
- 0362-2525 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2096456644
- Cited by
- 91
- References
- 1
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 1
- FWCI
- 0.41
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Morphology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Marine animal studies overview
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Urology › Comparative Animal Anatomy Studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Cardiovascular and Diving-Related Complications
- Keywords
- cetaceans, lung anatomy, lung mechanics, diving physiology, air management, ventilation, respiratory adaptation, pulmonary function tests
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Physiological, Air, Animals, Bronchi, Cetacea, Diving, Lung, Pulmonary Alveoli, Respiratory System, Species Specificity, Trachea, Respiratory Mechanics
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