Respiratory system of a fish

Dear all,

We have moved on from the air and the human respiratory system to learning about the respiratory system of fish.

There is a difference between the respiratory system of humans and animals but among animals, there are differences in how they breathe too. We will take a look at it in the coming weeks. But for now, here is the introduction to how fish breathe.

They make use of an important part known as gills, found near the underside of the head.

Gills refer to:
noun

1.

the respiratory organ of aquatic animals, as fish, thatbreathe oxygen dissolved in water.

2.

Also called lamella. one of the radiating vertical plates on the underside of the cap of an agaric mushroom.

However, do note the difference. For fish, the gills work in the presence of water where oxygen dissolves. Thus, they do not work when the fish is on land and water is absent. As a result, the fish will suffocate without oxygen and die.

For mushrooms, the gills are found on the underside of the plant and it is where spores are formed to help the plant reproduce. (Think back on your topic of reproduction of plants)

Thus, both are the same words but they serve different meaning.

Do take note that the fish FIRST take in watet through the mouth and the water passes through to the gills in which the DISSOLVED OXYGEN IS ABSORBED through the blood / blood vessels to the heart and rest of the body to keep the fish alive. On the other hands, carbon dioxide is removed through the gills too.

You need to know where the gills are located on the fish and HOW IT HELPS THE FISH TO BREATHE.

For further reading, just this site out. How Fish Gills Work

[Homework]

Finish up your supplementary worksheet for Unit 11 if possible. Highlight the key words and leave the synthesis and transformation out for now.

[Practice Questions]

I will provide the answer tomorrow. Try them out first.

[Extra notes]

Yours Sincerely,

Mr Nelson Ong