Due to Its System of Nine Air Sacs Connected to the Lungs

question 103

Multiple Choice

Due to its system of nine air sacs connected to the lungs, the respiratory system of birds is arguably the most effective respiratory system of all air-breathers. Upon inhalation, air first flows into posterior air sacs, then into the lungs, and then into anterior air sacs on the way to being exhaled. Thus, there is one-way flow of air through the lungs, along thousands of tubules called parabronchi.
-If the inner lining of the air sacs is neither thin nor highly vascularized, then what can be inferred about the air sacs?

• A) They must not belong to the respiratory system.
• B) They cannot be derived from endoderm.
• C) They cannot be sites of gas exchange between air and blood.
• D) They must obtain nutrition from some source other than the bloodstream.
• E) They cannot effectively moisturize the air before it reaches the lungs.

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Definitions:

PTH

Parathyroid hormone, a key regulator of calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism.

Parathyroid Gland

Small glands located behind the thyroid gland that play a critical role in regulating the body's calcium levels.

Luteinizing Hormone

A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Anterior Pituitary

A front part of the pituitary gland that produces and releases hormones which regulate various bodily functions.