Question

How are lungs of birds different from the lungs of human beings?

Answer 1

Lungs of birds are surrounded by a series of 7-9 air sacs, present in pairs. They do not contain alveoli as the mammalian lungs. The tiny bronchi of lungs serve as the primary site of gas exchange between air and blood for birds. Lungs of birds do not contract or relax like lungs of mammals, instead muscles in the bird’s chest push air through a series of air sacs and the lungs. The air sacs expand during inhalation and contract during exhalation. These air sacs provide unidirectional flow to air. The inhaled air through the primary bronchi moves to air sacs present at the tail side of birds, and then from there it moves to lungs where exchange of gases occurs. The deoxygenated air from the lungs move to air sacs present at head site. From there the deoxygenated air moves to bronchi then trachea then out of the body. The oxygenated air constantly moves into the lung, providing more efficient supply of oxygen to birds.