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Related Concept Videos

Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration01:30

Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration

Introduction to Inspiration: The Respiratory System in Action
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...
Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles01:21

Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles

The Role of Accessory Muscles in the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
Breathing01:05

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration01:22

Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration

The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Physiology of Respiration I: Functions of the Respiratory System01:27

Physiology of Respiration I: Functions of the Respiratory System

The respiratory system is crucial for exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere and the bloodstream, maintaining the body's balance. Beyond gas exchange, it helps regulate acid-base balance, purify inhaled air, and enable vocalization.
Fundamental Processes in Respiration:

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Kinematics and Ground Reaction Force Determination: A Demonstration Quantifying Locomotor Abilities of Young Adult, Middle-aged, and Geriatric Rats
10:28

Kinematics and Ground Reaction Force Determination: A Demonstration Quantifying Locomotor Abilities of Young Adult, Middle-aged, and Geriatric Rats

Published on: February 22, 2011

Breathing and locomotion: comparative anatomy, morphology and function.

Wilfried Klein1, Jonathan R Codd

  • 1Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Geremoabo 147, Campus de Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. klein@ufba.br

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|April 27, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Animals use various respiratory organs for gas exchange, but locomotion can limit breathing efficiency. This study explores the interplay between respiratory and locomotor systems across diverse species, from sharks to insects, for evolutionary insights.

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Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects
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Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

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Kinematics and Ground Reaction Force Determination: A Demonstration Quantifying Locomotor Abilities of Young Adult, Middle-aged, and Geriatric Rats
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Custom Smartphone Application to Guide Locomotor-Respiratory Coupling in the Field Using Step-Adaptive Breathing Sounds
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Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects
10:19

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Published on: April 13, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Comparative Physiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • Animals utilize specialized respiratory structures (gills, lungs, tracheal systems) for gas exchange.
  • Respiratory efficiency is influenced by organ morphology and physiological factors like locomotion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional link between respiratory and locomotor systems in animals.
  • To explore how locomotion constrains gas exchange and aerobic scope across diverse taxa.
  • To provide a broader evolutionary context for the relationship between breathing and movement.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of respiratory and locomotor systems across a wide range of animal groups.
  • Review of existing data on gas exchange, morphology, and locomotion.
  • Case studies including sharks, legless lizards, turtles, birds, sauropods, mice, and insects.

Main Results:

  • Gill morphology in sharks can limit maximum aerobic scope.
  • Locomotion presents respiratory challenges for legless lizards and influences respiration in mice.
  • Lung morphology in turtles and trade-offs in birds highlight respiratory-locomotor constraints.
  • Reconstructions of sauropod respiratory systems and insect gas exchange reveal diverse adaptations.

Conclusions:

  • The interaction between respiratory and locomotor systems is a significant factor in animal physiology and evolution.
  • Understanding these constraints is crucial for interpreting the evolution of oxygen use in diverse animal lineages.