River Otter Respiratory System
Oxygen is essential for the River Otter to live. Although they spend a lot of their lives in the water, they cannot breathe underwater and need to surface to obtain O2. Oxygen is important because mammal's cells need it in order to function. Oxygen is necessary for the creation of ATP, which helps our cells to function. ATP consists of three phosphate bonds. When it is used, one of the bonds is broken and it becomes ADP. In order to recreate the bond, oxygen is necessary. Here we will learn how otters and other mammals are able to diffuse oxygen through their bloodstream.
In order to breathe, air needs to be brought into the lungs. When the otter takes a breath, the diaphragm contracts which lifts the lungs and they expand as air is brought in. Air goes into the bronchi, then the bronchioles, and finally the alveoli. This is where diffusion happens. Capillaries line the alveoli, and the oxygen is bound to red blood cells carrying carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide goes back into the lungs to be breathed out, while the oxygen goes with the red blood cell towards the heart. The exchange of gases happens faster than the blink of an eye.
FUN FACT!: Otters can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes before they need to surface.
In order to breathe, air needs to be brought into the lungs. When the otter takes a breath, the diaphragm contracts which lifts the lungs and they expand as air is brought in. Air goes into the bronchi, then the bronchioles, and finally the alveoli. This is where diffusion happens. Capillaries line the alveoli, and the oxygen is bound to red blood cells carrying carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide goes back into the lungs to be breathed out, while the oxygen goes with the red blood cell towards the heart. The exchange of gases happens faster than the blink of an eye.
FUN FACT!: Otters can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes before they need to surface.