Amphibian heart anatomy
Key Features of Amphibian Heart and Circulatory System
- Amphibians have a three-chambered heart consisting of:
- Two Atria:
- Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body.
- Left Atrium: Receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
- One Ventricle:
- Pumps mixed blood (both oxygenated and deoxygenated) to the pulmonary and systemic circuits.
Blood Flow Process
- Deoxygenated Blood Flow:
- Blood returns from the body to the right atrium.
- It then flows to the ventricle.
- Oxygenation:
- Blood is pumped from the ventricle to the pulmonary artery, leading to the lungs for oxygenation.
- Oxygenated Blood Flow:
- The now oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins.
- It is then pumped back out into the body through the ventricle via the systemic arteries.
Capillaries
- Lung Capillaries: Sites of gas exchange where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released.
- Systemic Capillaries: Where oxygen is delivered to tissues and carbon dioxide is collected to be returned to the heart.
Visual Aid Suggestions
- Create a simple diagram labeling the two atria, and one ventricle.
- Illustrate the pulmonary artery and systemic arteries leading from the ventricle, along with the pathway of blood flow.
- Use color coding to differentiate between deoxygenated (blue) and oxygenated (red) blood to facilitate memorization.