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Illustration of respiratory systems in two embryonic species reveals structural differences, implying potential physiological implications.
On the lower left side, a 53 days post-oviposition (dpo) embryo of Aspidoscelis uniparens is shown with the trachea in white and the lungs in blue. On the upper left side is a detailed view of the corresponding respiratory system with the tracheal mold in white, the intrapulmonary air spaces indicating faveolar respiratory epithelium are represented in blue and the translucent outline of the lungs (= pulmonary parenchyma) is shown in gray. On the lower right side in a Tropidurus catalanensis embryo (39 to 50 dpo) having its trachea displayed in white and the lungs in blue. On the upper right side is a detailed dorsal view of the corresponding respiratory system with the tracheal mold in white, the intrapulmonary air spaces indicating presence of niches and faveolar respiratory epithelium are represented in blue and the translucent outline of the lungs (= pulmonary parenchyma) is shown in gray. Images not to scale. Champini BG, Diaz RE Jr., Schachner ER, Klein W. doi:10.1002/dvdy.70062
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