Avian Biology

Avian Biology, Volume III is a collection of articles that deals with the biology of birds such as their peripheral endocrine glands and reproductive system. One paper describes the avian reproductive system where physiological mechanisms that regulate gametogenesis get synchronized from stimuli in the environment, thus ensuring that the young are born at the appropriate season. Another paper correlates the morphology of the pituitary cells with the functions of the pituitary from physiological and chemical analyses. A couple of papers describes the peripheral endocrine glands and the process of neuroendocrinology that includes detailed analyses of the neurosecretory system anatomy and the ependymal function in the median eminence composed of the anterior and posterior divisions. One author describes the structure and refraction of avian vision, as well as the probable determination of visual pigments in the eye cones through in situ microspectrophotometry. The book then analyzes bird behavior through functional groups of bird activities. Bird enthusiasts, zoologists, and avian biologists will find this book interesting and informative.

Contenu

List of Contributors
Preface
Note on Taxonomy
Contents of Other Volumes
Chapter 1. Reproduction in Birds
I. Introduction
II. The Testis
III. The Ovary
IV. Accessory Sexual Organs
V. Breeding Behavior (Endocrinological Basis)
References
Chapter 2. The Adenohypophysis
I. Introduction
II. Anatomy and Embryology
III. Morphological Identification of Cell Types
IV. Cytological Localization of the Pituitary Hormones
V. Chemistry and Physiology of the Hormones
References
Chapter 3. The Peripheral Endocrine Glands
I. Adrenal Glands
II. Thyroid Gland
III. Endocrine Pancreas
IV. Parathyroid Glands
V. Ultimobranchial Bodies
VI. Thymus
VII. Bursa of Fabricius
References
Chapter 4. Neuroendocrinology in Birds
I. Introduction
II. Anatomy of the Avian Neurosecretory System
III. Hypothalamohypophyseal Neurovascular Link
IV. Biologically Active Substances in the Neurohypophysis
V. Functional Aspects of the Gomori-Positive Neurosecretory System
VI. Ependymal Function in the Median Eminence
VII. Functional Aspects of Gomori-Negative Hypophysiotropic Neurosecretory System
VIII. Concluding Remarks
IX. General Summary
References
Chapter 5. Avian Vision
I. Introduction
II. Aspects of Structure and Refraction
III. Aspects of the Retina and Visual Perception
IV. Conclusion
References
Chapter 6. Chemoreception
I. Introduction
II. Anatomy
III. Functional Capacity
IV. Functional Significance
References
Chapter 7. Mechanoreception
I. Introduction
II. Sensitivity of the Skin and Proprioception
III. Labyrinth (Organ of Equilibrium)
IV. Labyrinth (Auditory Organ)
References
Chapter 8. Behavior
I. Introduction
II. Analysis of Bird Behavior
III. Bird Behavior Illustrated by Functional Groups of Activities
References
Author Index
Index to Bird Names
Subject Index