ABSTRACT
In connection with studies of the spinal motor-control system (Hasan & Sasaki, 1986), the need arose to maintain freshwater turtles (Pseudemys scripta elegans) in a decapitated state for several days. Although a commercially available ventilator has been used in a similar situation (Rosenberg, 1972), such ventilators, apart from being expensive, are not designed to suit the reptilian respiratory pattern. In particular, they do not usually accommodate low frequencies of respiration, nor do they allow the apnoeic pauses (during which the lungs remain inflated while the glottis is constricted) that are observed in normal reptilian breathing (Wood & Lenfant, 1976; Jackson, 1979; Randall, Burggren, Farrell & Haswell, 1981). A simple, inexpensive ventilator was therefore constructed, which mimics the reptilian pattern. Its design is described here for possible use by others who may have similar requirements.
