How does a green sea turtle maximize a high flux of oxygen through a support system of airways?
It is the oxygen storage capability of the lung coupled with significant oxygen uptake by the blood. These combining properties help to maximize oxgen influx in the sea turtle during long distance migration and prolonged submergence. “Oxygen uptake by the blood is therefore not hampered by a fall in oxygen affinity as lung oxygen is depleted” (Lutz, 1985). According to Donald C. Jackson, “to meet these needs, the green sea turtle possesses complexly subdivided multicameral lungs with small terminal air spaces through which a high flux of oxygen (at up to 10 times the resting rate) can occur)” (Jackson, 1985). This compartmentalization in lung structure aids the respiratory system in providing substantial support for the green sea turtle during deep-diving. ” Support of the airways permits rapid emptying of the lungs during normal breathing and prevents gas trapping during deep diving.” (Jackson, 1985). In addition,the green sea turtle compensates for anoxia “by means of vascular shunts
