Research Article

Three-Dimensional Structure and Disposition of the Air Conducting and Gas Exchange Conduits of the Avian Lung: The Domestic Duck (Cairina moschata)

Table 1

Techniques applied in the study and respective numbers of animals used.

TechniqueNumber of animals usedResults accomplished

Macroscopic examinations6*ΨEnumeration of secondary bronchi
Silicone rubber casting3Enumeration of secondary bronchi
Study of 3D arrangement of secondary bronchi
Semithin and TEM3*Study of the exchange tissue and BGB
SEM on critical-point dried tissue3*Study of 3D arrangement of the small air conduits and the air and blood capillaries
Mercox casting and SEM3Study of 3D arrangement of air conduits and gas exchange tissue

The animals used for TEM, semithin, and SEM were the same ones used for enumeration of secondary bronchi. Identification of the various categories was based on the sizes at their openings into the mesobronchus, positions of their openings, and also topographical disposition.