Comparative physiology of vocal musculature in two odontocetes, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

The mechanism by which odontocetes produce sound is unique among mammals. To gain insight into the physiological properties that support sound production in toothed whales, we examined myoglobin content ([Mb]), non-bicarbonate buffering capacity (β), fiber-type profiles, and myosin heavy chain expression of vocal musculature in two odontocetes: the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus; n = 4) and the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena; n = 5). Both species use the same anatomical structures to produce sound, but differ markedly in their vocal repertoires.

Locomotor muscle profile of a deep (Kogia breviceps) versus shallow (Tursiops truncatus) diving cetacean.

When a marine mammal dives, breathing and locomotion are mechanically uncoupled, and its locomotor muscle must power swimming when oxygen is limited. The morphology of that muscle provides insight into both its oxygen storage capacity and its rate of oxygen consumption. This study investigated the m.

The gross morphology and histochemistry of respiratory muscles in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus.

Most mammals possess stamina because their locomotor and respiratory (i.e., ventilatory) systems are mechanically coupled.

Postural role of lateral axial muscles in developing bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Foetal dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are bent ventrolaterally, such that the tailflukes and lower jaw are juxtaposed. The lateral flexibility required en utero may compromise the efficiency of the dorsoventral oscillations required of the swimming neonate. The m.