Lateralization of syringeal function during song production in the canary.

摘要: The canary (Serinus canaria) vocal organ, the syrinx, has two separate sound sources, one in cranial end of each bronchus. Previous investigations whether song syllables are produced unilaterally or bilaterally have provided contradictory results, as researcher suggested that almost all by left side syrinx alone, whereas another both sides contribute similarly to syllables. Our experiments, which involved unilateral bronchus plugging followed later denervation ipsilateral syringeal muscles, attempted resolve this disagreement. males with right plugs, singing on nearly normal songs, birds side, sang quite poorly. Interpretation these data is difficult because it not clear how function would be affected if airflow rate through intact increased above normal, nor known bird can compensate for occlusion. Nonetheless, we suggest male canaries most normally sung some being alone and together. Right nerve section had little effect right-bronchus-plugged males' ability sing, but repertoires left-plugged were altered after section, indicating possibility signals carried exert an influence contralateral side.