respiration
The process by which an organism acquires the oxygen necessary for metabolism and expels excess carbon dioxide formed during energy-yielding reactions.
Used in 7 profiles
Results for “respiration”
Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
Species 0Articles 0Glossary 6
gas bladder
Gas-filled sac with 1-3 chambers, situated just below the vertebral column in most ray-finned fishes. Its primary function is to aid in buoyancy by offsetting the weight of heavier structures such as bone, but is also used for respiration or sound production in some species. Often reduced in benthic fishes and sometimes absent altogether. Also known as the air or swim bladder.
Used in 104 profiles
gill
Respiratory organ of fishes and some other aquatic organisms comprising a highly-vascularised membrane or outgrowth.
Used in 314 profiles
labyrinth organ
Highly folded, vascularised, suprabranchial accessory breathing organ formed via extension of the first epibranchial bone and used to respire atmospheric oxygen. Found in all members of the freshwater fish suborder Anabantoidei.
Used in 96 profiles
spiracle
An external respiratory opening, located between the eye and gill opening in certain, usually primitive, fishes.
Used in 13 profiles
thorax
Middle section of the body containing the main organs of circulation and respiration. Not easily defined in fishes.
Used in 1 profile