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gill filament
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gill filament

fish anatomy
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Quick Summary

Gill filaments are key components of a fish's respiratory system, enabling them to breathe underwater. These filaments are part of the gills, which are specialized organs designed to extract dissolved oxygen from water and release carbon dioxide.12

The structure of gill filaments is crucial for their function. They are feathery and branched, with a rich network of blood vessels close to the surface. This design maximizes the surface area available for gas exchange. As water flows over the filaments, oxygen diffuses into the blood, and carbon dioxide diffuses out. This efficient process allows fish to survive in aquatic environments.132

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. gill
  2. How Do Fish Breathe?
  3. How Do Gills Work?

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