Respiratory function and mechanics in pinnipeds and cetaceans

Date

2017-05-15

Authors

Fahlman, Andreas
Moore, Michael J.
Garcia Parraga, Daniel

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of Experimental Biology
Journal of Experimental Biology

Abstract

In this Review, we focus on the functional properties of the respiratory system of pinnipeds and cetaceans, and briefly summarize the underlying anatomy; in doing so, we provide an overview of what is currently known about their respiratory physiology and mechanics. While exposure to high pressure is a common challenge among breath-hold divers, there is a large variation in respiratory anatomy, function and capacity between species – how are these traits adapted to allow the animals to withstand the physiological challenges faced during dives? The ultra-deep diving feats of some marine mammals defy our current understanding of respiratory physiology and lung mechanics. These animals cope daily with lung compression, alveolar collapse, transient hyperoxia and extreme hypoxia. By improving our understanding of respiratory physiology under these conditions, we will be better able to define the physiological constraints imposed on these animals, and how these limitations may affect the survival of marine mammals in a changing environment. Many of the respiratory traits to survive exposure to an extreme environment may inspire novel treatments for a variety of respiratory problems in humans.


In this Review, we focus on the functional properties of the respiratory system of pinnipeds and cetaceans, and briefly summarize the underlying anatomy; in doing so, we provide an overview of what is currently known about their respiratory physiology and mechanics. While exposure to high pressure is a common challenge among breath-hold divers, there is a large variation in respiratory anatomy, function and capacity between species – how are these traits adapted to allow the animals to withstand the physiological challenges faced during dives? The ultra-deep diving feats of some marine mammals defy our current understanding of respiratory physiology and lung mechanics. These animals cope daily with lung compression, alveolar collapse, transient hyperoxia and extreme hypoxia. By improving our understanding of respiratory physiology under these conditions, we will be better able to define the physiological constraints imposed on these animals, and how these limitations may affect the survival of marine mammals in a changing environment. Many of the respiratory traits to survive exposure to an extreme environment may inspire novel treatments for a variety of respiratory problems in humans.

Description

Keywords

compliance, marine mammals, lung function, respiratory flow, tidal volume, residual volume, total lung capacity, respiratory frequency, alveolar collapse, compliance, marine mammals, lung function, respiratory flow, tidal volume, residual volume, total lung capacity, respiratory frequency, alveolar collapse

Sponsorship

Rights:

Citation

Fahlman, A., Moore, M.J. and Garcia-Parraga, D., 2017. Respiratory function and mechanics in pinnipeds and cetaceans. Journal of Experimental Biology, 220(10), pp.1761-1773.
Fahlman, A., Moore, M.J. and Garcia-Parraga, D., 2017. Respiratory function and mechanics in pinnipeds and cetaceans. Journal of Experimental Biology, 220(10), pp.1761-1773.