Shark Internal Anatomy Flashcards

Shark Internal Anatomy

• Liver: Large organ that stores oils and fats, aiding in buoyancy and energy storage.

• Gill Rakers: Structures that filter out large food particles, protecting the gills.

• Stomach: "J" shaped organ responsible for digestion processes.

• Rugae: Internal folds within the stomach allowing for expansion during digestion.

• Pyloric Sphincter: Valve regulating the passage of food from the stomach to the intestine.

• Esophagus: Tube that connects the throat to the stomach, transporting food.

• Duodenum: "U" shaped section of the stomach that receives bile from the gallbladder for digestion.

• Spiral Valve Intestine: Coiled section of the intestine that enhances surface area for nutrient absorption.

• Spleen: Triangular organ that produces, breaks down, and stores red blood cells.

• Gall Bladder: Storage for bile, aiding in the digestion of fats.

• Cloaca: Common chamber for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts.

• Pancreas: Organ that produces digestive enzymes essential for breaking down food.

• Kidneys: Long structures that filter salts from urine, helping maintain saline levels in the shark's body.

• Rectal Gland: Finger-shaped gland responsible for excreting excess salt from the blood.

• Cartilage Skeleton: Framework of strong yet lightweight cartilage, promoting agility and buoyancy as sharks lack a swim bladder.

• Ovary: Reproductive organ that produces eggs.

• Testes: Male reproductive organ that generates sperm.

• Brain: Central control unit for bodily functions, including sight, smell, and muscle coordination.

• Pharynx: The throat of the shark where the gills are located, opening to the pharynx.

• Heart: Two-chambered organ that pumps blood to the gills for oxygenation.

• Dorsal Aorta: Major artery responsible for transporting oxygenated blood throughout the shark's body.