Fish Flashcards
What is gas exchange in fish?
The process by which fish exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) with water through their gills.
What are gill rakes?
Structures that help filter food particles from the water as it passes over the gills.
What is a gill arch?
The bony structure that supports the gills in fish.
What are gill filaments?
Thin, thread-like structures on the gills where gas exchange occurs.
What are gill plates/lamellae?
Thin layers on the gill filaments that increase the surface area for gas exchange.
What is counter current flow?
A system where water flows over the gills in the opposite direction to the blood flow, maximizing oxygen absorption.
What is parallel flow?
A system where water and blood flow in the same direction, which is less efficient than counter current flow.
What is efficiency in gas exchange?
The effectiveness of the gas exchange process in extracting oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.
What is a specialised gas exchange surface?
A surface adapted for efficient gas exchange, such as fish gills.
Why is a large surface area important for gas exchange?
It allows for more gas exchange to occur simultaneously.
What role do capillaries play in gas exchange?
They transport blood close to the gill surfaces, facilitating gas exchange.
What is a diffusion gradient?
The difference in concentration of gases that drives the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
What is the operculum?
The bony flap that covers and protects the gills in fish.
