Physiology of Elasmobranch Fishes: Internal Processes

Fish Physiology: Physiology of Elasmobranch Fishes, Volume 34B is a useful reference for fish physiologists, biologists, ecologists, and conservation biologists. Following an increase in research on elasmobranchs due to the plight of sharks in today’s oceans, this volume compares elasmobranchs to other groups of fish, highlights areas of interest for future research, and offers perspective on future problems. Covering measurements and lab-and-field based studies of large pelagic sharks, this volume is a natural addition to the renowned Fish Physiology series.

Provides needed comprehensive content on the physiology of elasmobranchsOffers a systems approach between structure and interaction with the environment and internal physiologyContains contributions by leading experts in their respective fields, under the guidance of internationally recognized and highly respected editorsHighlights areas of interest for future research, including perspective on future problems

• Contents of Physiology of Elasmobranch Fishes: Structure and Interaction with Environment, Volume 34A
• Preface
• List of Abbreviations
• 1. Elasmobranch Cardiovascular System
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Cardiovascular Function and Energetics
  • 3 Factors Controlling and Effecting Cardiovascular Function
  • 4 Signaling Mechanisms Effecting Blood Vessel Diameter
  • 5 The Action Potential and Excitation-Contraction (EC) Coupling in Elasmobranch Hearts: The Influences of Environmental, Biochemical, and Molecular Factors
  • 6 Practical Applications: Physiology in the Service of Elasmobranch Conservation
  • 7 Summary
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• 2. Control of Breathing in Elasmobranchs
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Ventilation: Efferent Motor Output to the Respiratory Muscles
  • 3 Central Respiratory Rhythm Generation: The Source of the Motor Output
  • 4 The Respiratory Pattern: The Conditional Nature of the Output
  • 5 Relationships Between Ventilation and Heart Rate
  • 6 Afferent Input
  • 7 Conclusions
  • References
• 3. Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Transport in Elasmobranchs
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Blood-Oxygen Transport
  • 3 Transport and Elimination of Carbon Dioxide
  • 4 Conclusions and Perspectives
  • References
• 4. Organic Osmolytes in Elasmobranchs
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Osmoconformers Versus Osmoregulators
  • 3 Properties of Organic Osmolytes
  • 4 Metabolism and Regulation
  • 5 Evolutionary Considerations
  • 6 Knowledge Gaps and Future Directions
  • References
• 5. Regulation of Ions, Acid–Base, and Nitrogenous Wastes in Elasmobranchs
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Ionoregulation
  • 3 Acid–Base Balance
  • 4 Nitrogenous Wastes
  • 5 Concluding Remarks
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• 6. Feeding and Digestion in Elasmobranchs: Tying Diet and Physiology Together
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Feeding Habits of Elasmobranchs
  • 3 Elasmobranch Gastrointestinal Tract Anatomy
  • 4 Digestive Enzymes and Secretions
  • 5 Effects of Digestion on Homeostasis
  • 6 Future Perspectives
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• 7. Metabolism of Elasmobranchs (Jaws II)
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Evolutionary Context
  • 3 Diet and Digestion
  • 4 Oxidative Metabolism
  • 5 Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • 6 Nitrogen Metabolism
  • 7 Lipid and Ketone Body Metabolism
  • 8 Vitamin Metabolism
  • 9 Xenobiotic Metabolism
  • 10 Conclusions and Perspectives
  • References
• 8. Endocrine Systems in Elasmobranchs
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Pituitary Gland
  • 3 Corticosteroids and Catecholamines
  • 4 Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Hormones
  • 5 The Heart as an Endocrine Gland
  • 6 The Kidney as an Endocrine Gland
  • 7 The Pineal
  • 8 Calcium Regulation
  • 9 Conclusions and Perspectives
  • Acknowledgments
  • References
• Index
• Other Volumes in the Fish Physiology Series