Purchase Solution

comparative respiratory information

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

How does the respiratory system in humans compare to the respiratory system in a perch and the starfish? Ideas and links are included.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Comparative respiratory information is embedded.

Solution Preview

Respiration is a necessity for all aerobic organisms. This is so because their cells have to use oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain in the biochemical production of cellular energy. Literally thousands of different organ systems have evolved to assure oxygen delivery to the tissues that need it. Organisms also need a way to rid tissues of the carbon dioxide waste of cellular metabolism, and use the respiratory and circulatory systems for this as well. The respiratory system works closely with the circulatory system. The design and function of the respiratory system depends in part on the type of circulation an animal has.

When asked to compare organ systems, the aim is to draw similarities and differences between organisms; in this case the three organisms differ in complexity. We will examine them in the order of increasing complexity, starting with the starfish.

In starfish - (from wikkipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starfish#Circulation_and_respiration)
"There are three places on the sea star where circulation occurs. These are the perivisceral coelom (the space inside the body not occupied by the organs), the water vascular system, and the hemal system. Hemal channels form rings around the mouth (the oral hemal ring), closer to the top of the starfish (the aboral hemal ring), and around the digestive system (the gastric hemal ring). The axial sinus, a portion of the body cavity, connects the three rings. Each ray also has hemal channels running next to the gonads. There ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
BIOLOGY

Basics in biology

Basic Immunology Quiz

Intro to immuno quiz. Covers the basics of immunology and recognition of foreign substances by the body.

Understanding the Musculoskeletal system

Introduce and understand basic information how the skeletal system and muscular system work in close concert with one another. And how their interaction between muscle and bone, as they work together to allow us movement.

The Heart

This quiz test the understanding of the heart and some of its parts. It is important to understand how the heart functions and what makes it function.

The Transfer of Energy in an Ecosystem

This quiz will assess your knowledge of how energy is transferred in an ecosystem and the different levels of trophic organization.