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The article presents data from the cineradiographic investigation of the in vivo visceral and skeletal kinematics of lung ventilation in two palaeognaths, the emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae and the Chilean tinamou, Nothoprocta perdicaria, and the neognathous helmeted guinea fowl, Numida meleagris. The study found out that the sternal movement is elliptical rather than linear and scissor-like. The distal ends of the sternal ribs moved dorsally, rather than ventrally, upon inspiration in conjunction to its outward-forward displacement. Moreover, the angular changes at the coracosternal joint can enhance sternal movement, while furcular bending might be an auxiliary mechanism by which the clavicular air sac is compressed and expanded.

The article offers information on the cineradiographic study of lung ventilation in American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. The result of the study showed that A. mississippiensis' breathing pattern is diphasic and intermittent. In addition, it was observed that excited or agitated animals may exhibit triphasic breathing pattern. It was also noticed that before a dive, there is a partial expiration at the end of a series of breaths. Moreover, the diaphragmatic aspiration pump appears to be able to generate a large tidal volume at relatively low metabolic cost. Meanwhile , the osteological correlates of the crocodilian aspiration pump identified in the study provided a framework for interpretation of respiratory kinematics in extinct archosaurs and other groups.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses an article on the relationship between locomotion and ventilation in turtles, the detailed analysis on American alligators, alligator mississippiensis, thoracoabdominal skeletal structure to examine the kinematics of lung ventilation, and the analysis avian ventilatory mechanics.