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Questions and Answers
What is the function of the gill filaments in fish?
To increase the surface area for gas exchange
How do the lamellae contribute to efficient gas exchange in fish gills?
By further increasing the surface area
Explain why the walls of the lamellae are very thin in fish gills.
To reduce the diffusion distance for oxygen exchange
What is the role of capillaries in the gills of fish?
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Describe the significance of the counter-current system in fish gills.
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Study Notes
Respiration in Fish
- Water containing oxygen enters the fish through the mouth and passes over the gills.
- Each gill is composed of multiple gill filaments stacked on top of each other.
- The gill filaments have lamellae, which increase their surface area.
- The lamellae have very thin walls, reducing the diffusion distance.
- The lamellae are filled with capillaries.
- Blood in the capillaries flows in the opposite direction to the water, maintaining the concentration gradient of oxygen in the blood.
- This process is known as the counter-current system.
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Description
Learn about how water containing oxygen enters fish through the mouth and passes over the gills. Explore the structure of gill filaments, lamellae, and capillaries, and understand the mechanism of oxygen diffusion in fish respiratory systems.
