ANATOMY - Fish Flashcards
What are the two main groups of fish?
Cartilaginous
Teleost
What are the three divisions of the external teleost anatomy?
Head
Trunk
Tail
What are the six types of fins found in teleost fish?
Dorsal fin
Pectoral fins
Pelvic fins
Adipose fin
Caudal fin
Anal fin
What is the function of the dorsal fin?
The dorsal fin maintains an upright position
What are the functions of the pectoral fins?
The pectoral fins steer and manoeuver
What are the functions of the pelvic fins?
The pelvic fins steer and manoeuver
What is the function of the adipose fin?
The adipose fin has an unknown function
What is the function of the caudal fin?
The caudal fin carries out forward propulsion
What is the function of the anal fin?
The anal fin maintains an upright position
What kind of tissue makes up teleost fins?
Integumentary tissue
What is the skeletal framework that supports the pectoral fins in teleost fish?
Pectoral girdle
What is the skeletal framework that supports the pelvic fins in teleost fish?
Pelvic girdle
What is the skeletal framework that supports the dorsal, caudal and anal fins in teleost fish?
A series of fine bone rays
What is the function of the vertical septa?
The vertical septa divides the muscle of teleost fish into right and left halves
What is the function of the horizontal septa?
The horizontal septa divides the muscle of teleost fish into epaxial and hypaxial muscles
What is the name of the folded, interlocking blocks of muscle found in teleost fish?
Myotomes
What is the name of the connective tissue which separate myotomes?
Myosepta
What is the difference between red and white muscle fibres?
Red muscle fibres are aerobic and contract during normal movements whereas white muscle fibres are anaerobic and contract during fast movements
(T/F) Teleost fish have more red muscle fibres than white muscle fibres
FALSE. Teleost fish have mostly white muscle fibres
What are the four layers of the teleost fish integument?
Cuticle
Epidermis
Dermis
Scales
What is the main cell type found in the cuticle layer of the integument?
Goblet cells
What are the functions of the cuticle layer of the integument?
The cuticle layer produces a protective mucous which is fungicidal and bactericidal
Which three cell types are found in the epidermal layer of the integument?
Stratified, squamous epithelium
Macrophages
Lymphocytes
Which three cell types are found in the dermal layer of the integument?
Melanophores
Iridophores
Leucophores
What is the purpose of the iridophores and leucophores cells present in the dermal layer?
The iridophore and leucophore cells have stacks of reflecting plates that allow the fish to camouflage
Which structures make up the lateral line system in teleost fish?
The lateral line system is a series of neuromasts embedded in gelatinous cupula located along the flank of the fish
Which nerve innervates the neuromasts?
Vagus nerve
Describe briefly how the lateral line system functions in teleost fish
When neuromasts are moved by external vibrations or pressure fluctuations, this information is transmitted to the brain which brings about an appropriate response
What are the three functions of the lateral line system?
Detection of prey
Evasion of predators
Schooling
Where are the gills located in teleost fish?
The gills are located on either side of the pharynx
Describe the structure of teleost gills
Each gill is typically composed of a skeletal gill arch supporting two rows of gill filaments (primary and secondary lamellae)
What are gill rakers?
Gill rakers are spiny projections which prevent debris from entering the gills
What is the protective bony flap which covers the gill slits?
Operculum
What is the precise location of gas exchange in teleost fish?
Gas exchange occurs at the secondary lamellae of the gills
Describe briefly the process of inspiration in teleost fish
Water is taken in through the mouth and passes over the secondary lamellae of the gills where gaseous exchange will take place and dissolved oxygen will be taken up by the lamellae capillary networks
Describe briefly the process of expiration in teleost fish
Dissolved carbon dioxide moves with the water past the gills and out of the body via the operculum
What are the two main chambers of the teleost fish heart?
Atrium
Ventricle
What are the two sub-chambers of the teleost fish heart?
Sinus venosus
Bulbus arteriosus
What is the main function of the sinus venosus in teleost fish?
The sinus venosus contains pacemaker cells which initiate cardiac contraction
What is the main function of the bulbus arteriosus in teleost fish?
The bulbus arteriosus acts as a reservoir for ventricular blood during diastole in order to balance out the blood pressure before the blood travels to the gills as the gills are very delicate and can be damaged by high blood pressure
What order does deoxygenated blood flow through the different features of the fish heart?
Deoxygenated blood flows from the sinus venosus to the atrium, to the ventricle and to the bulbs arteriosus
Which aspect of the brain is particularly well developed in fish?
Olfactory bulb
What is the function of the pyloric caeca?
The pyloric caeca secretes digestive enzymes and carries out nutrient absortion
What is the only lymph node present in fish?
Spleen
What is the function of the cranial portion of teleost fish kidneys?
The cranial portion of the kidneys carries out haematopoiesis
What is the function of the caudal portion of teleost fish kidneys?
The caudal portion of the kidneys carries out excretory functions
What is the function of the swim bladder in teleost fish?
The swim bladder is a gas filled structure that helps to maintain neutral buoyancy in fish
Describe the appearance of teleost fish testes
Male fish have paired, elongated, tubular testes
Describe the appearance of teleost fish ovaries
Female fish have paired, elongated ovaries
Study the internal anatomy of the teleost fish
