What are contour feathers used for?
Flight and streamlining
What are plumule feathers?
Down feathers
What is the technical term for the oil or preen gland?
Uropygial
Where is the uropygial gland located?
At the base of the tail
What respiratory structure is located on the roof of the bird mouth?
Choanal slit
What is different about the trachea of birds?
The have complete tracheal rings
What bacterial disease can cause tracheal collapse in birds?
Bordetella
What structure is similar to the vocal cords in birds?
The syrinx
Where is the syrinx located?
At the bifurcation of the trachea
What anatomical difference allows for the recirculating of air?
Interconnected bronchi
Where does air exchange occur in the air sacs of birds?
Air capillaries
How many air sacs do birds have?
Four
How do air sacs affect anesthetic length?
Anesthetic gasses may be retained in the airsacs longer
The crop is a dilation of what structure?
The esophagus
What structure is also known as the gizzard?
The ventriculus
What is the purpose of the ventriculus?
Grinding feed
The cloaca is the termination of what three systems?
GI, Urinary, and reproductive
What is different about the urinary system of birds?
They lack a urinary bladder
What is different about the kidneys of birds?
They are elongated and have three lobules
What do birds excrete instead of urine?
Uric acid
What is different about the hearts of birds?
They are relatively larger
What are the two primary lymphoid organs of birds?
Bursa of Fabricious and thymus
What are the two secondary lymphoid organs of birds?
Bone and spleen
What is a major difference about the lymphatic system of birds?
They lack lymph nodes
What about the musculoskeletal system of birds makes it more likely that an infection will spread rapidly?
The bones are hollow and communicate with the airsacs
What gametes does a female bird have?
ZW
What gametes does a male bird have?
ZZ
Which side of the female repro tracts usually develops?
The left side
What endocrine gland regulates diurnal rhythms and body temp?
The pineal gland
What is different about the anatomical conformation of the bird skeleton?
They often have fused bones
What cranial nerve lobe is really large in the bird?
Optic
What cranial nerve lobe is small in the bird?
Olfactory
What is the unique boney structure in the eyes of birds?
Sclerotic ossicles