The Respiratory Apparatus of Adult Spur‐Winged Geese ( Plectropterus gambensis ): Gross Anatomy and Morphometrics

The present study describes the gross morphological features and morphometric characteristics of the respiratory apparatus of adult Spur-winged Geese (Plectropterus gambensis), a resident waterfowl species of the Sudano-Sahelian wetlands of Nigeria. Ten ethically obtained adult birds comprising five males and five females were used for this purpose. A standardized gross dissection technique was employed following euthanasia to examine the respiratory viscera. The paired slit-like openings of the nostrils were dorsolateral at the base of the upper beak. The nasal cavity was divided into two equal halves by the nasal septum and consisted of a rostral vestibular region and a broader caudal region containing the nasal conchae, each with a distinct morphological outline. The cranial larynx presented a paired dorsal arytenoid cartilage and a caudal cricoid cartilage capped by the laryngeal mound. The mean length of the trachea in males was 34.72 ± 0.87 cm comprising 138-146 tracheal rings. In females, the trachea measured 31.42 ± 0.74 cm and contained 136-142 tracheal rings. The syrinx was tracheobronchial type. The primary bronchi presented C-shaped cartilages. The paired bright red lungs were triangular shaped, spongy and displayed impressions on their surfaces from contact with adjacent structures. The extrapulmonary primary bronchi and pulmonary vessels entered the lungs through the ventral hilar region. This study establishes the first normal respiratory baseline for the spur-winged goose, filling a critical gap in avian comparative anatomy. The findings also support research on tropical wetland adaptations and provide a practical diagnostic tool for veterinarians.