Syrinx

Definition

The syrinx is the vocal organ of birds, located at the base of a bird's trachea. It allows birds to produce a wide range of sounds and calls, essential for communication and mating.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The syrinx is unique to birds and does not have an equivalent in mammals.
2. It consists of specialized muscles and membranes that vibrate to produce sound.
3. Different bird species have varying syrinx structures, influencing their vocal capabilities.
4. Birds can control each side of the syrinx independently, allowing them to produce two different pitches simultaneously.
5. Damage to the syrinx can result in loss of vocalization or altered bird calls.

Review Questions

• Where is the syrinx located in birds?
• How do birds use their syrinx to produce different sounds?
• What makes the syrinx unique compared to mammalian vocal organs?

Related terms

Larynx: The voice box in mammals, responsible for sound production through the vibration of vocal cords.

Trachea: The windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi in vertebrates.

Bronchi: The large air passages that lead from the trachea into the lungs.