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Central Cardiovascular Function in Amphibians: Qualitative Influences of Phylogeny, Ontogeny, and Season

  • Chapter
Mechanisms of Systemic Regulation

Part of the book series: Advances in Comparative and Environmental Physiology ((COMPARATIVE,volume 21))

Abstract

The central cardiovascular function of amphibians has been studied in detail for many decades. Some investigators have been motivated primarily by the search for supposedly simple models which may provide a greater understanding of the circulations of higher vertebrates. Others were interested in physiological problems presented by the cardiovascular systems of amphibians, because these vertebrates are of interest in their own right, as a unique, specialized and highly successful group (see Feder 1992). Whatever the rationale for studying the amphibian cardiovascular system, investigators routinely experience its paradoxical nature. In some respects, the circulation of various amphibians represents a relatively simple system for convective transport of blood (e.g. lack of anatomical division of the ventricle). Yet, in other aspects (e.g. the control of cardiac output distribution), the amphibian circulation rivals that of any other vertebrate class in terms of flexibility and adaptability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA

    W. W. Burggren

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  1. W. W. Burggren
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  1. Lehrstuhl für Tierphysiologie, Math. Naturwiss. Fak. I, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Abderhaldenhaus, Philippstr. 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany

    Norbert Heisler

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Burggren, W.W. (1995). Central Cardiovascular Function in Amphibians: Qualitative Influences of Phylogeny, Ontogeny, and Season. In: Heisler, N. (eds) Mechanisms of Systemic Regulation. Advances in Comparative and Environmental Physiology, vol 21. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79666-1_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79666-1_8

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