Each living organism is unique, but at the same time, depending on its type, it has a certain number of identical organs that perform certain functions.
What animals have a diaphragm? In the 8th grade, this is one of the questions that arises when studying the diverse world of animals and the structure of their bodies.
Definition
Before answering the question, which animals have a diaphragm, it is necessary to find out the definition of this concept. The diaphragm is a septum consisting of muscle tissue that separates the thoracic and abdominal regions in the human body and mammals.
Mammals are a species of animals that have organized life activities, a characteristic feature of which is the feeding of offspring with mother’s milk.
The shape, size and location of the diaphragm in mammals depends on the body structure of a certain kind of animal, but basically, like in humans, it has the shape of a dome. The diaphragm is an important component of the respiratory process and contracts in parallel with the muscles of the abdominal cavity.
Structure
The body consists of three departments: the sternum, costal and lumbar. Through it passes the esophagus, nerves, veins, aorta. Their shape and size also depend on the structure of an individual organism.
The presence of a diaphragm is one of those signs by which mammals can be distinguished from other species. So, for example, in birds and snakes this organ is in a state of embryo, and in fish it is completely absent.
Thus, in addition to humans, all mammals have a diaphragm.
Aperture Functions
In order to understand which animals have a diaphragm, it is also important to determine its value and functions in the body:
- The most important function of this organ is the separation of the thoracic and abdominal. The diaphragm is a necessary partition that separates them from each other.
- The following follows from this feature - the union of these cavities in the body among themselves.
- The diaphragm also serves as a connection with other internal organs.
- It is an important muscle involved in the breathing process.
- It normalizes pressure on internal organs, organizes blood flow to the heart and outflow from it.
- In the digestive system, the diaphragm helps the passage of bile. With the help of its contractions, it improves intestinal motility, which has a beneficial effect on the proper digestion of food and the normalization of stool.
Possible diseases
In addition to the question, which animals have a diaphragm, biology studies its possible pathologies and methods for their study.
The diaphragm, like other internal organs, is prone to disease. A common problem for her is a hernia. It can be located both on the diaphragm itself, and in the esophagus. A hernia can be a congenital organ pathology or acquired as a result of injuries of a different nature. With a small size, diaphragmatic hernia usually does not cause discomfort. And infringement of the hernia or its large size can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing. In the presence of a hernia, the internal organs can be displaced into the chest.
Also, the diaphragm can be damaged as a result of closed and open injuries of the abdominal cavity or thoracic region, and the animal falls from a great height.
It is necessary to take into account possible diseases in order to fully reveal the topic of which animals have a diaphragm.
If the animal is domestic and has injuries of the abdominal or thoracic region, it is necessary to conduct its full examination in a veterinary clinic. First of all, the study is carried out using radiography and fluorography, which can detect damage to the diaphragm, the presence or absence of a hernia and tumors.
Treatment depends on the level of complexity of the disease and the nature of the damage. Perhaps the use of complex therapy or surgery.
The information described will allow us to study this important organ, its structure and functions, and also answer the question of which animals have a diaphragm.