Difference between revisions of "Respiration in Non-Homeotherms - Anatomy & Physiology"
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==Amphibia== | ==Amphibia== | ||
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| + | In amphibian species, the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]] forms the major, and sometimes only respiratory organ. | ||
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| + | The skin of amphibia is: | ||
| + | *Thin | ||
| + | *Poorly keratinised | ||
| + | *Highly vascularised | ||
| + | *Moist to promote diffusion of gases | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Aquatic''' amphibians may also have ''internal gills'' and '''Pharyngeal Slits'''. | ||
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| + | Most Amphibia also have lungs for breathing. This contains interconnecting septa which divide the lumen into '''Faveoli''', compartments which open into a central chamber within each lung. | ||
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| + | ==Reptiles== | ||
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| + | Reptiles have a fundamentally different respiratory system to that of mammals. | ||
Revision as of 10:15, 15 August 2008
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Introduction
Fish
Fish live in a relatively dense and viscous fluid, which has little oxygen carrying capacity. In order to gain sufficient gaseous exchange for survival, fish have developed a highly efficient system which has a large surface area, and utilises energy - the gills.
Gills
Amphibia
In amphibian species, the skin forms the major, and sometimes only respiratory organ.
The skin of amphibia is:
- Thin
- Poorly keratinised
- Highly vascularised
- Moist to promote diffusion of gases
Aquatic amphibians may also have internal gills and Pharyngeal Slits.
Most Amphibia also have lungs for breathing. This contains interconnecting septa which divide the lumen into Faveoli, compartments which open into a central chamber within each lung.
Reptiles
Reptiles have a fundamentally different respiratory system to that of mammals.