Diving physiology in marine mammals : significant findings in pinniped muscle physiology and trachea morphology.

Moore, Colby D.

Diving physiology in marine mammals : significant findings in pinniped muscle physiology and trachea morphology.

dc.contributor.advisor	Trumble, Stephen John.
dc.contributor.author	Moore, Colby D.
dc.contributor.department	Biology.	en_US
dc.contributor.schools	Baylor University. Dept. of Biology.	en_US
dc.date.accessioned	2014-09-05T14:06:53Z
dc.date.available	2014-09-05T14:06:53Z
dc.date.copyright	2014-08
dc.date.issued	2014-09-05
dc.description.abstract	The muscular biochemistry and respiratory morphology of diving mammals are closely intertwined through the utilization and allocation of inspired oxygen for metabolism. Marine mammal physiological mechanisms and adaptations are of great intrigue due to the heightened environmental pressures that these animals are routinely subjected. These species also experience varying degrees of ischemia, hypoxemia and gas tissue saturation, which are pathological in terrestrial mammals. Data included in this dissertation suggest a unique skeletal muscle fiber type profile for the deep-diving Northern elephant seal; a profile predominately comprised of enlarged aerobic type I myofibers. In addition, enzymatic data suggest that diving mammals maintain higher levels of aerobic enzymes in primary locomotory muscle and that muscle-based enzymes degrade rapidly and variably with temperature and time. Histological analysis of harbor seal tracheal rings microscopically describes a unique continuity of cartilage that correlates with lung compression, depth at which lungs collapse, as well as maximum dive depth. Cumulatively, biochemical and structural adaptations allow diving mammals to reach extensive depth, while maintaining homeostatic levels of on-board gasses and avoiding dive-related injury. Ultimately, this research highlights the relationship between morphology, physiology and life history of these animals.	en_US
dc.description.degree	Ph.D.	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Moore, C. D., Crocker, D. E., Fahlman, A., Moore, M. J., Willoughby, D. S., Robbins, K. A., Kanatous, S. B., Trumble, S. J. "Ontogenetic changes in skeletal muscle fiber type, fiber diameter and myoglobin concentration in the Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris)." Frontiers in Physiology 5 (2014): 217.	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/2104/9178
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US
dc.publisher		en
dc.rights	Baylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.	en_US
dc.rights.accessrights	Worldwide access.	en_US
dc.rights.accessrights	Access changed 1/27/17.
dc.subject	Marine mammals.	en_US
dc.subject	Diving physiology.	en_US
dc.title	Diving physiology in marine mammals : significant findings in pinniped muscle physiology and trachea morphology.	en_US
dc.type	Thesis	en_US