Avian Nervous System

What is the avian central nervous system composed of?

Brain and spinal cord.

What is unique about the avian brain compared to mammals?

Lissencephalic.

What is the function of the cerebellum in birds?

Coordination and motor control.

What is the role of the optic nerve in birds?

Transmits visual information.

What are the main components of the avian peripheral nervous system?

Somatic nerves and autonomic nervous system.

What is the function of the brachial plexus in birds?

Innervates the wings.

What are the main structures of the avian eye?

Cornea, lens, retina, and scleral ossicles.

What is the function of the nictitating membrane in birds?

Protects the eye.

What is unique about avian vision?

Can perceive UV light.

What is the structure of the avian auditory apparatus?

External ear, middle ear with a single ossicle (columella), and inner ear.

What is the function of the columella in birds?

Transmits sound vibrations.

What is the main difference between avian and mammalian ears?

Birds have only one ossicle.

What is the function of the nasal cavity in birds?

Olfaction and respiration.

What is unique about the avian olfactory system?

Limited function compared to mammals.

What are specialist adaptations of the visual system in birds?

Large eyes, binocular vision in some species.

What are specialist adaptations of the auditory system in birds?

Asymmetrical ears in some species.

How do species-specific adaptations predispose birds to visual diseases?

Susceptibility to cataracts.

What is a common clinical condition affecting the avian nervous system?

Avian encephalomyelitis.

What is the role of the thalamus in birds?

Relays sensory information to the cerebrum.

What is the function of the brainstem in birds?

Connects the brain to the spinal cord.

What is the role of the nidopallium in birds?

Associated with cognitive functions.

How does the avian nervous system support complex behaviours?

Through advanced neural circuits.

What is unique about the avian telencephalon?

Divided into distinct domains like the pallium.

What is the function of the pecten oculi in birds?

Supports the retina.

How do avian adaptations influence social behaviour?

Through brain structure and function.