Amphibian Skeletal System

Study Notes

Skeletal System

Bones: Frogs have a lightweight, yet strong skeleton made up of 213 bones, which is more than humans (206 bones).
Vertebral column: Frogs have a unique, flexible vertebral column that allows for jumping and crawling movements.
Ribs: Frogs have a reduced number of ribs compared to other vertebrates, which helps to reduce weight and increase mobility.
Limbs: Frogs have four limbs, with the hind legs being larger and more powerful than the forelimbs.

Muscular System

Muscle types: Frogs have a mix of fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles, allowing for both rapid, powerful movements and sustained, low-intensity activities.
Muscle composition: Frog muscles are composed of a high percentage of fast-twitch fibers, which enables rapid contraction and relaxation.
Muscle function: Frog muscles are designed for explosive jumping and rapid movements, with the hind legs generating most of the power.

Nervous System

Brain: The frog brain is relatively simple, with a large optic tectum and a well-developed cerebellum.
Spinal cord: The spinal cord is long and flexible, extending down to the tip of the tail.
Nerve endings: Frogs have sensitive nerve endings in their skin, which help detect vibrations and movements.

Integumentary System

Skin: Frog skin is thin, permeable, and highly sensitive, with numerous mucous glands that help to keep the skin moist.
Mucous glands: These glands produce a protective layer of mucus that helps to prevent water loss and maintain skin hydration.
Cutaneous respiration: Frogs can absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin, which helps to supplement respiratory function.

Respiratory System

Lungs: Frogs have a pair of lungs that are adapted for gas exchange, but are relatively small compared to the body size.
Buccal cavity: The buccal cavity, or mouth, is used for gas exchange, with the frog pumping air in and out of the cavity to facilitate respiration.
Skin respiration: As mentioned earlier, frogs can also absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin, which helps to supplement respiratory function.

Skeletal System

Frogs have 213 bones, more than humans (206 bones), which provide a lightweight yet strong skeleton.
The vertebral column is flexible, allowing for efficient jumping and crawling movements.
The reduced number of ribs helps to reduce weight and increase mobility.
Frogs have four limbs, with larger and more powerful hind legs compared to forelimbs.

Muscular System

Frog muscles are a mix of fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscles, allowing for rapid powerful movements and sustained low-intensity activities.
Fast-twitch fibers make up a high percentage of frog muscles, enabling rapid contraction and relaxation.
The muscles are designed for explosive jumping and rapid movements, with the hind legs generating most of the power.

Nervous System

The frog brain has a large optic tectum and a well-developed cerebellum.
The spinal cord is long and flexible, extending down to the tip of the tail.
Sensitive nerve endings in the skin detect vibrations and movements.

Integumentary System

Frog skin is thin, permeable, and highly sensitive, with numerous mucous glands that help to keep the skin moist.
Mucous glands produce a protective layer of mucus that helps to prevent water loss and maintain skin hydration.
Frogs can absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin, which helps to supplement respiratory function.

Respiratory System

Frogs have a pair of lungs adapted for gas exchange, but they are relatively small compared to the body size.
The buccal cavity, or mouth, is used for gas exchange, with the frog pumping air in and out of the cavity to facilitate respiration.
Skin respiration also occurs, where frogs absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin, supplementing respiratory function.

Description

This quiz covers the unique features of the skeletal system of frogs, including the number of bones, vertebral column, ribs, and limbs. Learn about the adaptations that enable frogs to jump and crawl. Discover the differences between the skeletal system of frogs and humans.