Frog Organ Functions Flashcards
Thin covering that allows the frog to absorb oxygen without breathing.
Skin
Dark coloring on the back and light coloring on the belly that allows the frog to blend in with its background when viewed either from above or below.
Countershading
Random spots on the skin of a leopard frog that help camouflage it by breaking up its shape.
Chromatophores
Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the frog’s body.
Heart
Membrane that protects the heart.
Pericardium
Two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the veins.
Atria (singular = atrium)
Lower chamber of the heart that pumps blood out to the arteries.
Ventricle
The major artery that leaves the heart.
Aorta
Major vein that brings blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.
Inferior Vena Cava
Slit-like opening on the floor of the mouth that controls movement in and out of the lungs.
Glottis
Organs responsible for gas exchange (taking in oxygen and releasing CO2).
Lungs
Sharp, jagged projections along the upper jaw that help the frog capture prey.
Maxillary Teeth
Bumps on the roof of the mouth that help the frog crush its prey.
Vomerine Teeth
Muscular opening in the back of the mouth that sends food to the esophagus.
Gullet
Organ that moves food from the mouth to the stomach.
Esophagus
Muscular organ that releases acids and enzymes to digest proteins.
Stomach
Circular muscle that controls the movement of food between the stomach and the small intestine.
Pyloric Sphincter
Organ that produces bile and filters toxins out of the blood.
Liver
Organ that stores and releases bile when fats are digested.
Gall Bladder
Organ that absorbs nutrients after food has been digested.
Small Intestine
Organ that forms feces by reabsorbing water from partially-digested food.
Large Intestine / Colon
Opening used to release feces, urine, and gametes (sperm or egg cells).
Cloaca
Membranes that hold the digestive system in place.
Mesentery
Organ that filters minerals from the blood, balances the salt content of blood, and forms urine.
Kidney
Tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Ureter
Organ that stores and releases urine as needed.
Urinary Bladder
Tube that carries urine from the bladder to the cloaca.
Urethra
Organ that helps protect the frog from diseases as part of its immune system.
Spleen
Structures that store fat molecules so that the frog still has energy when food is scarce.
Fat Bodies
Stretchable skin of the throat that male frogs use to attract females by singing.
Vocal Sacs
Enlarged structure on male frogs that helps them grip females during mating.
Thumb pads
Male organ that produces sperm cells and male sex hormones (testosterone).
Testes
Male organ that carries semen from the testes to the cloaca.
Seminal Vesicles or Vas Deferens
Female organ that produces eggs and female sex hormones (estrogen).
Ovaries
Female organ that carries eggs from the ovaries to the cloaca.
Oviducts
Opening between the middle ear and the mouth that is used to balance pressure inside the head.
Eustachian Tube
Opening from the front of the head to the roof of the mouth that the frog uses to smell.
Nares (internal and external)
Membrane that protects the eye during feeding and while swimming underwater.
Nictitating Membrane
Membrane that transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear.
Tympanum
