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THE RESPIRATORY STRUCTURE AND BREATHING MECHANISM OF

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FISH

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Gills are specialised respiratory structure for gaseous exchange. Bony fish have four pairs of gills Gills are supported by a gill arch and protected by the operculum Each gills has two rows of thin filaments arranged in V shape. (consist of thin walled lamellae)
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GILLS

THE STRUCTURE ADAPTION OF GILLS FOR GASEOUS EXCHANGE Large surface area of filaments
and lamellae

->increase the efficiency of gaseous exchange

Thin membrane

->to allow the absorption of respiratory gases to the blood capillaries

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Efficiency of gases exchange is enhanced by the countercurrent exchange mechanism Water flows over the gills in one direction & the blood flows in the opposite direction
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The deoxygenated blood enters the capillaries & encounters water with higher oxygen content The diffusion gradient allows the transfer of Oxygen into the blood.

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The efficiency of fish gills is further increased by ventilation.

->increase the flow of water over the respiratory surface

Swimming and opening and closing the operculum

(draws water into mouth which then passes over the gills)

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INHALATION

The floor of buccal cavity lowers At the same time, the opercular cavity enlarges and the operculum closes This lower the pressure in the buccal cavity Water with dissolved oxygen is drawn into the mouth
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EXHALATION

When the mouth closes, the floor of the buccal cavity raises Water flows through the lamellae and gaseous exchange between the blood capillaries and water takes place At the same time, the opercular cavity becomes smaller The pressure in the buccal cavity is higher than the pressure outside
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The higher water pressure forces the

Oxygen dissolve d in water

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