Avian Anatomy and Physiology Basics

This article is the focus of LafeberVet’s Avian Anatomy Teaching Module, which is RACE-approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit. This review begins with a brief summary of Class Aves before exploring various organ systems. Important vocabulary terms and key concepts are emphasized throughout the text. The reader should have a basic understanding of mammalian anatomy. Birds are quite different both structurally and functionally when compared to mammals, therefore comparisons are frequently drawn between these two taxonomic groups. Since form follows function, descriptions of avian anatomy will also merge into physiology and other life sciences, where appropriate . . .


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References


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Further reading

Holmberg BJ. Ophthalmology of exotic pets. Slatter’s Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2008:427–441. doi: 10.1016/B978-072160561-6.50023-X. Epub 2009 Jun 5. PMCID: PMC7149741.

Klasing KC. Comparative Avian Nutrition. 1998. New York: CAB International.

Lovette IJ, Fitzpatrick JW (eds). Handbook of Bird Biology, 3rd The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Wiley. 2016; Hoboken, NJ.

O’Malley B. Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species. 2005. London: Elsevier Saunders. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-2782-6.X5001-7.

Orosz SE, Ensley PK, Haynes CJ. Avian Surgical Anatomy:  Thoracic and Pelvic Limbs. 1992. WB Saunders.

Pollock CG, Orosz SE. Avian reproductive anatomy, physiology and endocrinology. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2002;5(3):441-74. doi: 10.1016/s1094-9194(02)00010-5. PMID: 12442710.

Ritchie BW, Harrison GJ, Harrison LR (eds). Avian Medicine: Principles and Application. Lake Worth, FL: Wingers Publishing; 1994.

Sandmeir P. Anatomy and physiology. In:  Chitty J, Monks D (eds). BSAVA Manual of Avian Practice: A Foundation Manual. 2018; Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

To cite this page:

Pollock C. Avian Anatomy & Physiology Basics. July 17, 2023. LafeberVet web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/avian-anatomy-basics/