Observations on certain physiological processes of the marmot.II.—The respiration

Abstract

The effect of temp. on the respiratory rate, depth and minute volume of the hibernating marmot is discussed. These factors plotted against time give very irregular curves. On awakening there is a tremendous increase in the magnitude of these factors. CO2 increases very slightly the minute volume in the hibernating animal. But in the marmot while awake CO2 causes a very marked increase in respiration. In the hibernating animal the main effect of the CO2 is a prolongation of the inspiratory phase and a shortening of the expiratory phase.