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Journal of Experimental Biology 51,407-430 (1969)
Published by Company of Biologists 1969

A Functional Analysis of the Aquatic and Aerial Respiratory Movements of an African Lungfish, Protopterus Aethiopicus, With Reference to the Evolution of the Lung-Ventilation Mechanism in Vertebrates

B. R. MCMAHON ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Bristol, Department of Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

1. The anatomy of the head and branchial region of Protopterus has been studied by dissection and section techniques to show the relation between skeletal and muscular elements. X-ray cinematographic, pressure and electromyographic techniques have been used to show how the muscular and skeletal systems interact to produce the respiratory movements. The mechanisms involved in aquatic and aerial respiration in Protopterus have thus been elucidated.

2. The mechanisms of branchial irrigation has been shown to be basically similar to that seen in teleost and elasmobranch fishes, and also similar to that seen in larval amphibia.

3. The aerial cycle is composed of a series of aquatic-type cycles, each of which is modified slightly to serve a specific function in the aerial cycle. Inspiration occurs by a buccal force-pump mechanism. Expiration occurs by the release of compressed pulmonary gas, aided by the elasticity of the lung wall.

4. In this animal the air-breathing mechanism is derived from the aquatic mechanism. The modifications are relatively simple and produce an efficient ventilation mechanism.

5. No movements of the ribs can be seen associated with the respiratory cycles. It is suggested that the aspiratory ventilation mechanisms were not present in the prototetrapods and were not evolved until a later, more fully terrestrial stage was reached.

6. The evidence suggests that the air-breathing mechanism of the tetrapods was powered by a buccal force-pump mechanism which evolved directly from the aquatic system. The evolution of a new mechanism for lung ventilation in the prototetrapods is considered unnecessary.

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