Fish breathe underwater using specialized organs called gills.
Understanding Fish Respiration
How Gills Work
- Water Intake: A fish takes water into its mouth.
- Water Flow: The fish forces this water out through the gill passages.
- Oxygen Absorption: As the water passes over the thin walls of the gills, dissolved oxygen in the water moves into the blood.
- Oxygen Distribution: The oxygen-rich blood is then circulated throughout the fish's body to its cells.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Water Intake | Fish takes water into its mouth. |
| 2. Water Flow | Fish forces water through the gill passages. |
| 3. Oxygen Uptake | Oxygen from water moves across gill walls into the fish's blood. |
| 4. Circulation | Oxygen is transported to the fish's cells. |
The gills are feathery organs containing many blood vessels that facilitate this process. This process allows fish to extract oxygen from the water, which is crucial for their survival in an aquatic environment.
