Léghólyagocskák

Léghólyagocskák, also known as air sacs, are tiny, thin-walled structures found in the lungs of birds. These structures are a crucial component of the avian respiratory system, enabling the highly efficient oxygen exchange necessary for flight. Unlike mammals, birds possess a unidirectional airflow through their lungs, facilitated by these air sacs.

There are typically nine air sacs in a bird, divided into anterior and posterior groups. The posterior air sacs, which include the abdominal and post-thoracic sacs, are larger and play a primary role in receiving oxygenated air from the lungs. The anterior air sacs, comprising the cervical, clavicular, and interclavicular sacs, are smaller and are involved in storing air and directing it back through the lungs.

The unique structure of the avian respiratory system, with its air sacs, allows for a continuous flow of oxygenated air across the respiratory surfaces. This means that even during exhalation, oxygenated air is still passing through the lungs, maximizing oxygen uptake. This efficiency is vital for meeting the high metabolic demands of flight. The air sacs themselves do not directly participate in gas exchange; their function is to act as reservoirs and conduits for air. They are thin and collapsible, allowing them to fill and empty effectively.