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

1. Deoxygenated Blood Flow:
   • Blood returns from the body to the right atrium.
   • It then flows to the ventricle.
2. Oxygenation:
   • Blood is pumped from the ventricle to the pulmonary artery, leading to the lungs for oxygenation.
3. 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.