Structural Organisation in Animals - Frogs

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structural organisation, morphology, and anatomy of frogs as described in the lecture notes.

Tissue

A group of similar cells along with intercellular substances that perform a specific function in multicellular animals.

Organ

A structure formed by tissues organized in a specific proportion and pattern to carry out specific functions like the stomach, heart, or kidney.

Organ System

A group of two or more organs performing a common function by their physical and/or chemical interaction.

Morphology

The study of form or externally visible features of an organism.

Anatomy

The study of the morphology of internal organs in animals.

Rana tigrina

The most common species of frog found in India.

Poikilotherms

Animals whose body temperature varies with the temperature of the environment; also known as cold-blooded.

Camouflage

The ability of frogs to change their color to hide from enemies.

Mimicry

The term used for the protective coloration exhibited by frogs to hide from predators.

Aestivation

A state of dormancy or summer sleep taken by frogs in deep burrows during peak summer.

Hibernation

A state of dormancy or winter sleep taken by frogs in deep burrows during peak winter.

Nictitating membrane

A membrane that covers and protects the bulged eyes of a frog while they are in water.

Tympanum

A membranous structure that acts as an ear to receive sound signals in frogs.

Sexual dimorphism

The presence of distinct physical differences between males and females, such as sound-producing vocal sacs and copulatory pads in male frogs.

Cloaca

A small median chamber used to pass faecal matter, urine, and sperms to the exterior.

Chyme

Partially digested food that is passed from the stomach to the duodenum.

Villi and Microvilli

Numerous finger-like folds in the inner wall of the intestine that absorb digested food.

Cutaneous respiration

A method of respiration where gaseous exchange occurs through highly vascularized skin, used by frogs in water and during dormancy.

Pulmonary respiration

Respiration that takes place via the lungs when the frog is on land.

Pericardium

A membrane that covers the three-chambered muscular heart of a frog.

Sinus venosus

A triangular structure that joins the right atrium of the frog's heart and receives blood through the vena cava.

Conus arteriosus

A sac-like structure on the ventral side of the heart into which the ventricle opens.

Hepatic portal system

A special venous connection present in frogs between the liver and the intestine.

Renal portal system

A special venous connection present in frogs between the kidney and the lower parts of the body.

Ureotelic

An animal, such as a frog, that primarily excretes urea as its nitrogenous waste.

Nephrons (Uriniferous tubules)

The structural and functional units of the kidney.

Cranium

The bony structure, also called the brain box, that encloses the brain.

Mesorchium

A double fold of peritoneum that adheres the ovoid testes to the upper part of the kidneys in male frogs.

Vasa efferentia

A set of $10-12$ tubes that arise from the testes and enter the kidneys.

Bidder’s canal

A canal within the kidney through which vasa efferentia communicate with the urinogenital duct.

Tadpole

The larval stage of a frog that undergoes metamorphosis to form the adult.