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

小行星9321638 这是一项比较形态学研究，旨在探讨兔形目（野兔、棉尾兔和鼠兔）中高度趋行、中度趋行和非趋行的成员之间胸部设计和运动行为之间的功能关系。将采取一种新的方法来了解胸部复合体的功能形态：肺的机械作用和肺，心脏和肋骨的相互作用，在运动过程中将被检查。将对胸腔内肺的先前未探索的功能进行建模：气动稳定。这项研究将测试的假设，肺，除了作为气体交换器的作用，可能会作为胸壁和心脏的气动稳定器，这种机制将与运行能力呈正相关。将开发一个模型，该模型描述了哺乳动物胸部复合体在运动过程中的综合功能，其组成元素的形态，材料特性和机械相互作用。将在尸体和活兔的动态试验中使用高速放射线电影摄影分析，以描述胸椎复合体元件的相互作用，并测试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. ***