Radiographs Normal
Pneumatic bones
When compared to mammals, the bones of birds are lighter in weight and may contain small diverticula filled with air. These bones are call what?
•Answer:
Pneumatic bones. Examples of pneumatic bones are the skull, humerus, clavicle, keel, femur, pelvic girdle, lumbar and sacral vertebrae. These bones contain small diverticula filled with air and give the bone a corrugated appearance versus a solid appearance of the non-pneumatic bone.


Lung evaluation
The avian lungs are evaluated on both the ventrodorsal and lateral views. On the lateral view, the lungs overlie each other. The parabronchi can be seen with quality radiographs. How is their appearance described?
•Answer:
On the Ventrodorsal view the lung appearance is described as a thumbprint and on the lateral view a sponge.


Growth Plates
In raptors under the age of 60 days, the radiographic appearance of the long bones, especially in the wing, appear incomplete in their formation. What is the process occurring here?
•Answer:
Endochondral ossification is the formation of long bones and other bones. The bones ends have growth plates or epihyseal plates that can be seen radiographically. This is an indication of active bone growth and development.

Airsacs
The birds reparatory system is complex and very efficient. The air filled space in the body of the bird that forms a connection with the lungs and bone cavities is termed what?
•Answer:
Airsacs: The bird has nine airsacs; paired cervical, cranial thoraxic, caudal thorax and abdominal airsacs and one clavicular airsac. The function of the airsacs is to aid in breathing and temperature regulation.

Spleen
The bird spleen has several functions; phagocytosis of worn out erythrocytes, lymphopoiesis and antibody production. What is the best radiographic view to evaluate this organ?
•Answer:
Lateral view. The spleen is located at the right side of the junction between the proventriculus and ventriculus.
