Course Description
Avian anatomy and physiology at the gross and cellular levels. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique characteristics of avian physiology and morphology using the chicken as the model animal.
Athena Title
Avian Anatomy and Physiology
Prerequisite
[(BIOL 1108 or BIOL 1108H) and BIOL 1108L] or POUL 2020-2020L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students enrolled in this class will gain an excellent foundation in general physiology, an in-depth background in selected areas of physiology, including muscle biology, cardiovascular physiology and immunology, as well as a detailed appreciation for the unique aspects of avian physiology and morphology. Course examinations will include a mixture of straightforward factual questions and essay questions that will require critical thinking and application of physiological concepts.
Topical Outline
I. Evolutionary Adaptations of Birds A. Bird evolutionary origins B. Feathers C. Skeletal System 1. Skeletal Anatomy 2. Skeletal Adaptations for Flight II. Cell Morphology A. Primary Histological Tissues 1. Muscle, Nervous, Epithelial, and Connective Tissue III. Respiratory Physiology A. Mammalian v. Avian B. Structure of Respiratory System C. Gas Exchange in the Lungs IV. Nervous System A. Neurons and Supporting Cells B. The Synapse and Neurotransmitters C. Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System V. Muscle Physiology A. Muscle Anatomy B. Skeletal Muscle 1. Structure of Skeletal Muscle 2. Motor End Plate Physiology 3. Skeletal Muscle Reflexes C. Cardiac Muscle D. Smooth Muscle VI. Cardiovascular Physiology A. Functions of the Circulatory System 1. Comparative Avian v. Mammalian B. Blood: Platelets, Erythrocytes, Leukocytes 1. Erythropoiesis C. Heart 1. Anatomy of the Avian Heart 2. Cardiac Cycle 3. Electric Activity of the Heart and ECG D. Blood Vessels E. Hemostasis F. Atherosclerosis VII. Endocrinology A. Endocrine Gland Anatomy B. Hormones 1. Classification of Hormones 2. Mechanisms of Hormone Action 3. Pituitary and Hypothalamic Hormones 4. Adrenal Gland Hormones 5. Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands Hormones 6. Pancreas a) Roles of Insulin and Glucagon 7. Pineal Gland 8. RAAS (Renin-Aldosterone-Angiotensinogen System) VIII. Digestive System and Metabolism A. Digestive Anatomy 1. Avian v. Mammalian B. Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins C. Regulation of Hunger and Metabolic Rate IX. Immunology A. Nonspecific Resistance and Innate Immunity 1. Leukocytes and Macrophages 2. Antimicrobial Proteins 3. Inflammation B. Specific/Adaptive Immunity 1. Function of T lymphocytes a) Thymopoiesis and Thymus 2. Function of B Lymphocytes a) The Bursa of Fabricius b) Types of Antibodies X. Renal System A. Gross Anatomy of Kidneys and Nephron B. Glomerular Filtration C. Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion D. Uric Acid v. Urea XI. Reproductive Physiology A. Sex Determination (Avian v. Mammalian) B. Male Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology 1. Avian v. Mammalian 2. Testes a) Spermatogenesis 3. Accessory Organs and Semen C. Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology 1. Ovary and Oviduct a) Ovarian Regulation and Follicular Maturation b) Fertilization (1) Sperm Storage Tubules (2) Sperm-IPVL Interaction c) Egg Formation and Expulsion (1) Oviduct sections and their function (2) Egg Components
Syllabus