Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Cutaneous respiration, or cutaneous gas exchange (sometimes called skin breathing), [1] is a form of respiration in which gas exchange occurs across the skin or outer integument of an organism rather than gills or lungs. Cutaneous respiration may be the sole method of gas exchange, or may accompany other forms, such as ventilation.
It goes through paedomorphosis and retains its external gills. [4] Because skin and lung respiration alone is not sufficient for gas exchange, the common mudpuppy must rely on external gills as its primary means of gas exchange. [5] It is usually a rusty brown color [6] and can grow to an average total length (including tail) of 13 in (330 mm). [7]
Many frogs are able to absorb water and oxygen directly through the skin, especially around the pelvic area, but the permeability of a frog's skin can also result in water loss. Glands located all over the body exude mucus which helps keep the skin moist and reduces evaporation.
The skin also has numerous ring-shaped folds, or annuli, that partially encircle the body, giving them a segmented appearance. Like some other living amphibians, the skin contains glands that secrete a toxin to deter predators. [15] The skin secretions of Siphonops paulensis have been shown to have hemolytic properties. [26]
The ability to breathe through their skin is associated with increased capillary density in their skin. [12] This mode of breathing, similar to that employed by amphibians, is known as cutaneous respiration. [6] Another important adaptation that aids breathing while out of water is their enlarged gill chambers, where they retain a bubble of air.
Gas exchange can take place through the skin (cutaneous respiration) and this allows adult amphibians to respire without rising to the surface of water and to hibernate at the bottom of ponds. [47] To compensate for their thin and delicate skin, amphibians have evolved mucous glands, principally on their heads, backs and tails.
The majority of amphibians use cutaneous respiration, or the process of breathing through the skin. Due to the importance of the skin, amphibians are very sensitive to what goes through their permeable skin, the stratum corneum is the main skin barrier which is much thinner than other classes such as mammals or birds.
Amphibians use their skin as a secondary respiratory interface and some small terrestrial salamanders and frogs lack lungs and rely entirely on their skin. They are superficially similar to reptiles like lizards , but unlike reptiles and other amniotes , require access to water bodies to breed.