ISBN : 9780199238460
Oxygen uptake for metabolic energy demand and the elimination of the resulting carbon dioxide is one of the essential processes in all higher life forms; in the case of animals, everything from protozoans to insects and vertebrates including humans.
Respiratory Biology of Animals provides a contemporary and truly integrative approach to the topic, adopting a strong evolutionary theme.
It covers aerobic metabolism at all levels, from gas exchange organs such as skin, gills, and lungs to mitochondria - the site of cellular respiration. The book also describes the functional morphology and physiology of the circulatory system, which often contains gas-carrying pigments and is important for pH regulation in the organism.
A final section describes the evolution of animal respiratory systems. Throughout the book, examples are selected from the entire breadth of the animal kingdom, identifying common themes that transcend taxonomy.
Preface
1 Prolegomena
2 A very brief history of respiratory biology
3 A Primer on respiratory physiology
4 Structure, function, and evolution of respiratory proteins
5 Coping with extremes
6 Respiratory faculties of aquatic invertebrates
7 Respiratory faculties of amphibious and terrestrial invertebrates
8 Control of breathing in invertebrates
9 The evolution of water-breathing respiratory faculties in invertebrates
10 The evolution of air-breathing respiratory faculties in invertebrates
11 Respiratory faculties of aquatic craniotes
12 Respiratory faculties of amphibious and terrestrial craniotes
13 Control of breathing in craniotes
14 The evolution of water-breathing respiratory faculties in craniotes
15 The evolution of air-breathing respiratory faculties in craniotes
16 The Bottom Line