Vascular Changes in the Wings of Bats

Abstract

In the common bat, Myotis yumanensis sociabilis, observations on the degree of vascular change in the blood vessels of the flight membranes revealed marked changes in the amt. of blood passing through these tissues. These changes were readily correlated with body temp. Engorgement of the vascular plexus in the membranes was induced by elevating the body temp. to between 40 and 41 [degree]C, but between 10 and 38[degree]C there were no gross, readily perceptible changes in the amt. of blood flow. In this range, the wing and tail membranes retained the pallor seen at low temps. When a change occurred it was sudden and notable.