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Spiracle of a bluespotted ribbontail ray, Taeniura lymma. Spiracles (/ ˈ s p ɪr ə k əl, ˈ s p aɪ-/ [1] [2]) are openings on the surface of some animals, which usually lead to respiratory systems. Spiracle of a shark (bighead spurdog, Squalus bucephalus) The spiracle is a small hole behind each eye that opens to the mouth in some fish.
Spiracles are reduced or missing in active pelagic sharks. [1] While the shark is moving, water passes through the mouth and over the gills in a process known as "ram ventilation". [ 2 ] While at rest, most sharks pump water over their gills to ensure a constant supply of oxygenated water.
Shark Anatomy (50693674756) The gill slits of a whale shark flaring as it expels water from its pharyngeal cavity. In the shark anatomy image, it depicts the beginning half of the shark, including the gills. The shark gills are especially important and were evolved from the chordate pharyngeal gill slits synapomorphy.
Most sharks rely on ram ventilation, forcing water into the mouth and over the gills by rapidly swimming forward. In slow-moving or bottom-dwelling species, especially among skates and rays, the spiracle may be enlarged, and the fish breathes by sucking water through this opening, instead of through the mouth. [9]
For this reason, many sharks and related fish feed very infrequently. The food passes into the comparatively short colon of the shark almost fully digested, and then out the cloaca and vent. A consequence of the spiral valve constricting the lumen of the ileum is that sharks cannot pass large hard objects (such as bones) through their lower ...
Most batoids have a flat, disk-like body, with the exception of the guitarfishes and sawfishes, while most sharks have a spindle-shaped body. Many species of batoid have developed their pectoral fins into broad flat wing-like appendages. The anal fin is absent. The eyes and spiracles are located on top of the head.
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Spiracle or spiraculum may refer to: Spiracle (arthropods), opening in the exoskeletons of some arthropods; Spiracle (vertebrates), openings on the surface of some ...