Anatomy and

Physiology of Frogs!
7M Science
Humans & amphibians have lots of
similarities!
• Lungs: We both have 2 lungs used for
breathing.
• Digestive We both have a mouth, esophagus,
System: stomach, pancreas, liver, gall bladder,
small intestine, and large intestine.
• Circulatory We both have arteries, capillaries,
System: veins, blood, and a heart
Humans & amphibians have lots of
similarities!
• Brains: Although we both have brains, ours is
more complex.

• Skeletons:
We both have a skeleton that provides a
framework for our bodies, protects our
internal organs, and allow us to move.

• Muscles and
Connective We both have these tissues that hold
Tissue: our skeletons together.
Although we have many of the same organs and systems,
they work differently in amphibians than they do in
humans!
• Body Configuration: A frog’s heart, lungs, and digestive systems are all found
in one single hollow space. Our internal organs are
housed in three distinct cavities: chest, abdomen, and
pelvis.

• Respiratory System: Frogs breathe through their skin. Known as “cutaneous

respiration”, this process allows oxygen to pass through
the skin and directly into the bloodstream. Frogs also
have neither ribs or diaphragms; body parts that help
humans breathe. And, their chest muscles are not used
for breathing.

• Reproductive Although both humans and frogs produce eggs, frog eggs
are fertilized externally. Also, reproductive organs are
System:
housed internally in both males and females.
Although we have many of the same organs and systems,
they work differently in amphibians than they do in
humans!

• Skeletal Frogs have 1 forearm and 1 lower leg

System: bone, while we have 2. Frogs lack
several vertebrae and do not have a
pelvis. They also have structures not
found in the human skeleton i.e. the
urostyle.

• Circulatory A frog has a 3 chambered heart (2 upper

System: chambers (atria) and only 1 lower
chamber) compared to the 4 chambered
heart a human has.
Humans and amphibians have lots of differences too. We
humans don’t have any of these distinctly amphibian
features!
• Nictitating A clear, retractable membrane that protects each eye.
Membrane:

• Tympanic A circular eardrum located behind each eye.

Membrane:

Tube that connects the middle ear to the mouth, aka the
• Eustachian Tube: buccal cavity.

Located in the skin, these glands secrete mucous to keep

• Mucous Glands: the skin moist.

Glands that secrete sticky, bitter substances to make

• Granular Glands: amphibians unattractive to predators.
Humans and amphibians have lots of differences too. We
humans don’t have any of these distinctly amphibian
features!

• Vomerine Teeth: Two rough pads on the roof of the mouth used
to hold prey.
• Cloaca:
A cavity that collects materials from intestines,
urinary bladder, and reproductive organs.

A slit-like opening from the throat to the lungs

• Glottis: that plays an important role in breathing.

Structures that help amphibians breathe while

they are tadpoles.
• Gills: