Bird, syrinx (Gross, Low)

Structure List Trachea Primary bronchi Internal tympanic membrane External tympanic membrane Cartilage rings

Birds have evolved a vocal apparatus that is associated with the airways. A bird's vocal box is not located in the larynx, like mammals. Instead, it is located at the bifurcation of the trachea into the primary bronchi. The tracheal cartilages of the syrinx are sturdy, whereas the bronchial cartilages are largely lacking. Syrinx structure varies among species, but usually one or more tympanum-like membranes lie between cartilaginous rings in its wall. Using the diagrams, identify all of the parts. The muscle controlling the syrinx cannot be seen in this specimen. What type of epithelium lines the membranes?