Branchial breathing is the type of breathing in which gas exchange takes place in the gills. It is related to the aquatic environment.
Gill respiration is performed by fish, crustaceans, various annelids and molluscs.
The gills, also called gills, are the fundamental structures for the process of gill breathing. They are located on both sides of the head and consist of highly vascularized external folds present on the epithelial surface.
The gills are associated with water breathing. It is through them that the oxygen in the water is transferred to the interior of the body and the carbon dioxide takes the opposite path.
How does gill breathing occur?
Aquatic organisms obtain oxygen dissolved in water. When water enters the mouth, passes through the pharynx and bathes the gills. Thus, the gills are constantly being bathed in water and receiving oxygen.
The flow of water reaches the gills in a unidirectional way and passes through small cilia that filter out impurities. In the gills, which are rich in blood capillaries, blood circulates in the opposite direction to water.
Because water is rich in oxygen and blood in carbon dioxide, diffusion occurs, as the concentration of the two gases tends to balance out. Thus, oxygen enters the animal's bloodstream and carbon dioxide goes into the water. This situation allows for gas exchange.
Learn more, read also:
Lung Breathing
skin breathing
tracheal breathing
hematosis
Curiosities
One way to check if a fish is fit for consumption is by looking at its gills. When well preserved, the gills have an intense red color.
Learn more about the Fish.