Gills are respiratory organs ina)Fishb)Cockroachc)Amoebad)EarthwormCor...
Gills are respiratory organs in fish. Gills intake oxygen from water.
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Gills are respiratory organs ina)Fishb)Cockroachc)Amoebad)EarthwormCor...
Gills are respiratory organs in Fish.
Respiratory Organs in Fish
Fish are aquatic animals that live in water. Unlike terrestrial animals, they cannot breathe air directly from the atmosphere. Instead, fish have specialized respiratory organs called gills that allow them to extract oxygen from water.
Function of Gills
Gills are responsible for the exchange of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the fish and its environment. They serve as the primary respiratory organs, enabling fish to obtain the oxygen they need for survival.
Structure of Gills
Gills are composed of numerous thin filaments that are richly supplied with blood vessels. These filaments are arranged in a comb-like structure called gill arches. Each filament is covered with tiny projections called gill lamellae. These structures greatly increase the surface area available for gas exchange.
Process of Respiration in Fish
1. Water enters the fish's mouth as the fish opens and closes its mouth, creating a continuous flow of water over the gills.
2. The water passes through the gill slits, which are openings located on the sides of the fish's body.
3. As water passes over the gill filaments, oxygen from the water diffuses into the fish's bloodstream through the thin walls of the gill lamellae.
4. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, diffuses out of the fish's bloodstream into the water.
5. The oxygen-rich blood is then transported to the fish's body tissues, while the deoxygenated blood is carried back to the gills for further oxygenation.
Adaptations for Aquatic Respiration
Fish have several adaptations that allow them to respire efficiently in their aquatic habitat:
- Thin and delicate gill structures: The thin walls of the gill filaments and lamellae facilitate the exchange of gases between the fish and water.
- Rich blood supply: The gills are highly vascularized with a dense network of blood vessels, ensuring efficient oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide release.
- Countercurrent exchange system: The blood flow in the gills flows in the opposite direction to the water flow, maximizing the diffusion of oxygen into the bloodstream.
- Gill coverings (operculum): Fish have a protective covering called the operculum that helps regulate water flow over the gills and prevents debris from entering.
In conclusion, gills are respiratory organs found in fish. These specialized structures enable fish to extract oxygen from water and remove carbon dioxide, allowing them to respire efficiently in their aquatic environment.
Gills are respiratory organs ina)Fishb)Cockroachc)Amoebad)EarthwormCor...
Gills are respiratory organs in fish. Gills intake oxygen from water.