All vertebrates carry out aerobic cellular respiration. The living cells of vertebrates must obtain oxygen if they are to carry out this metabolism, synthesize ATP, and continue to live. At the same time, the cells must be able to get rid of the carbon dioxide they produce as a by-product of their metabolism. The respiratory systems of vertebrates, whether gills or lungs, are simply mechanical devices that ensure that an adequate exchange of gas can occur: enough oxygen can be taken into the body to meet the metabolic demands of all its cells, and carbon dioxide can be removed. This chapter examines the details of vertebrate respiratory systems (i.e., the mechanics of gas exchange and the anatomy and functioning of the various types of vertebrate respiratory systems), and helps complete the picture begun in the previous chapter on the circulatory system.

Copyright ©1998 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
For further information about this site contact mhhe_webmaster@mcgraw-hill.com.