do skinks breathe backwards?

[boonaen]

just noticing rosie's breathing... seems she breathes in and holds it, like she's more comfortable with air in. looks like she has to "push" to breathe out.

[Chase]

I'm not sure I get what you mean. I thought I did until I read your post, which from your description seems like the normal method of breathing....

[boonaen]

well, i mean, like a human (or most mammals) is relaxed with very little air in their lungs. you artually breathe in, diaphram contracts to bring air into your lungs.

it looks like the skink is at rest with kungs full of air and that the diaphram contracts to push air out.

i guess what makes me think that is how it appears that they quickly exhale an it's almost like their lungs have a rubberband that sucks air back in immediatly.

i dunno - doesn't really matter... their breathing is just interesting. would like to know how it works.

[Shadowfax]

I know what you mean, I have noticed this too, just never really thought about it in as much detail.

[Arkangel]

Mammals have two systems for ventilating the lungs. The rib muscles expand the chest. The diaphragm powers the second system. It works by pulling the lung cavity downward and pulling air into the lungs. Relaxing the diaphragm lets the air escape. But the diaphragm is unique to mammals.

"Crocodiles and alligators have independently evolved a muscle that pulls the liver backwards which effectively inflates the lungs. But lizards and snakes do not have diaphragms and rely on their rib muscles alone to inflate their lungs."

Now this was interesting....

http://biomechanics.bio.uci.edu/_html/nh_biomech/monitor/monitor.htm

[Lucifer_Spades]

You know your a skinkophile when you study their breathing patterns.

I swear I've never done this.

[KyleWeiss]

Kristine pointed out what I sort-of knew about reptile breathing.

I also have wondered this exact same thing.

When a person has a "collapsed lung," usually it's because of trauma or something that compromises the lungs structural integrity to the point where capacity isn't there for breathing. That's why you can never really fully exhale, because if you did, your lungs would have an impossible time trying to "re-fill."

I always heard that most reptiles have ribs that use the lungs like bellows, in and out, in and out, and can mostly "deflate." That's why they have trouble breathing if not positioned correctly, or so I've heard.

Kind of a laymen's understanding, but I hope that's accurate enough.

KW

[boonaen]

nice article Arkangel!

this won't be my last stupid question... i'm sure to hear alot of, "DUDE! just enjoy your SKINK! and stop thinking about it!"

[Leigh]

I like the way they inflate /deflate from the sides, very usefull in confined spaces

[KyleWeiss]

I like the way they inflate /deflate from the sides, very usefull in confined spaces

Yep. I theorized a while back since up and downward pressure of a burrowing animal wouldn't lend itself ot breathe well otherwise.

KW