Dissertation Research: Thoracic Specialization, Integration,and Locomotor Habit in the Lagomorpha

9321638 Bramble这是一项比较形态学研究，旨在探讨高度卷曲的、中等卷曲的和非卷曲的兔形目成员(野兔、棉尾巴和鼠兔)的胸部设计和运动行为之间的功能关系。将采用一种新的方法来了解胸部复合体的功能形态：将检查肺的机械作用以及在运动过程中肺、心脏和肋骨的相互作用。我们将模拟以前未曾探索过的肺部在胸腔内的功能：气动稳定。这项研究将验证这样一种假设，即肺除了充当气体交换的角色外，还可能充当胸壁和心脏的气动稳定器，并且这一机制将与跑步能力呈正相关。将开发一个模型，描述哺乳动物胸部复合体在运动过程中的综合功能，该模型基于其组成元素的形态、材料特性和机械相互作用。将在身体和活体兔的动态测试中使用高速电影摄影分析，以描述胸椎复合体各元素之间的相互作用，并检验气动稳定模型的基本预测。***

9321638 Bramble This is a comparative morphological study that addresses the functional relationships between thoracic design and locomotor behavior among highly cursorial, moderately cursorial, and non- cursorial members of the order Lagomorpha (hares, cottontails, and pikas). A novel approach will be take to understand the functional morphology of the thoracic complex: the mechanical role of the lungs and the interaction of lungs, heart, and ribs, during locomotion will be examined. A previously unexplored function of the lungs within the thorax will be modeled: pneumatic stabilization. This study will test the hypothesis that lungs, in addition to their role as gas exchangers, may act as pneumatic stabilizers of the chest walls and heart and that this mechanism will be positively correlated with running ability. A model will be developed which describes the integrated function of the mammalian thoracic complex during exercise based on the morphology, material properties, and mechanical interactions of its constituent elements. High speed cineradiographic analysis will be used in dynamic tests of both cadavers and live rabbits in order to describe the interactions of elements of the thoracic complex and to test essential predictions of the pneumatic stabilization model. ***