TOPOGRAPHICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF THE AIR SACS OF QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix)

Abstract

The morphology of birds is rarely reported, hindering veterinary practice in these animals. The respiratory system is distinguished by the presence of air bags, a structure of fundamental importance to the birds, but very susceptible to diseases. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the anatomy of the air sacs (AS) in quails regarding their topographical relationships. To this, fifteen quails that had their respiratory tract injected with Neoprene, stained and fixed in formalin 10% latex were dissected. Cervical AS is unique and has a middle portion located between the brachiocephalic arteries. The clavicular AS is also odd and starts near the first thoracic vertebrae. The cranial and caudal thoracic AS are lateral to the lung and medially to the ribs. The cranial thoracic AS goes from the dorsal lateral-cranial margin to the ventral margin of the liver, and the caudal thoracic AS goes from the fourth lateral-caudal margin of the liver to the cranial third of the abdominal AS. Abdominal AS goes from the liver to the base of the vent area. However, the air sacs in quails studied in this research follow a topographic pattern, forming diverticula between adjacent organs.
Keywords: birds; Coturnix coturnix; respiratory system; sintopy.