Songbird
Songbird (Medicine)
Songbird (pronunciation: /ˈsɔːŋbɜːrd/), in the context of medicine, refers to a group of birds known for their vocal abilities. The term is not taxonomically precise; some taxonomists limit "songbirds" to a narrower group known as the oscines or "true songbirds". The oscines are a suborder of the passerines, comprising about 5000 species.
Etymology
The term "songbird" comes from the Old English 'sangere', which means "singer". This term was used to describe birds that produce musical sounds. The term was first used in the medical context in the late 19th century, when physicians began to notice the therapeutic effects of bird song on patients with certain mental health conditions.
Medical Relevance
Songbirds have been used in various medical studies due to their complex vocal learning abilities, which are similar to human speech learning. This has made them a popular model organism in the field of neuroscientific research, particularly in the study of neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and the effects of hormonal changes on brain structure and function.
Songbird research has also contributed to our understanding of Parkinson's disease, autism, stroke, and speech disorders. For example, studies on songbirds have helped scientists understand how the brain recovers and reorganizes itself after a stroke, which has implications for human stroke recovery.
Related Terms
- Birdsong: The sounds produced by birds, often with a rhythmic and melodious quality. Birdsong is a form of communication among birds and is often used in mate attraction and territorial disputes.
- Oscine: A suborder of passerine birds that includes the songbirds. Oscines are characterized by their ability to produce complex and melodious songs.
- Passerine: The largest order of birds, which includes the songbirds and oscines. Passerines are characterized by their perching habits and three forward-facing toes.
- Neuroplasticity: The ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience, learning, or injury. This concept is central to many studies involving songbirds.
- Neurogenesis: The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. This process is believed to be involved in learning and memory, and is studied in songbirds due to their ability to learn new songs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Songbird
- Wikipedia's article - Songbird
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