Hammerhead Shark Organs and Functions
Hammer Head Shark Organ Structure and Functions
The hammer head shark contains multiple organs that are suited for their environment in the Great Barrier Reef. Their skin, which is an integument organ, is made of an atmosphere of dermal denticles or placoid cells. These denticles and cells are tiny, hard, tooth like structure that makes the skin tough like sandpaper for protection. Their inner organs are much like that of a human. They contain the stomach, spleen, pancreas, rectum and the liver. The liver, however, is different than that of a human. The liver, in a hammer head shark, creates about 25% of the total body weight of the shark. The liver is where energy is stored and it also provides the shark with buoyancy, making them unsinkable. The gills of the shark are organs that remove oxygen from water allowing them to breathe. In order for gas interactions to happen properly, water has to be constantly running over the gill slits. Once the shark lets water into their jaws, it goes in the pharynx, above the gills and leaves through the gill slits. The reproductive organs of the male are different than that of a female hammer head shark. The males contain claspers which are elongated pelvic fin edges. The females contain a cloaca which is an opening that serves the digestive and reproductive functions. Although the males contain the cloaca as well, it is used only for that of a digestive aid. The sensory organs of the hammer head shark are exquisite. They contain the Ampullae of Lorenzini which allows the shark to sense the electrical fields produced by prey. Each of these ampulla is made up of clusters of sensory cells that let the shark detect its pretty that may be hiding in sand. These ampulla’s can also help the shark notice changes in temperature of the water, pressure, salinity, magnetic fields and mechanical stimuli. The Lateral Line is part of the sensory system that goes along with the Ampullae. Together they make up the electro sensory
The hammer head shark contains multiple organs that are suited for their environment in the Great Barrier Reef. Their skin, which is an integument organ, is made of an atmosphere of dermal denticles or placoid cells. These denticles and cells are tiny, hard, tooth like structure that makes the skin tough like sandpaper for protection. Their inner organs are much like that of a human. They contain the stomach, spleen, pancreas, rectum and the liver. The liver, however, is different than that of a human. The liver, in a hammer head shark, creates about 25% of the total body weight of the shark. The liver is where energy is stored and it also provides the shark with buoyancy, making them unsinkable. The gills of the shark are organs that remove oxygen from water allowing them to breathe. In order for gas interactions to happen properly, water has to be constantly running over the gill slits. Once the shark lets water into their jaws, it goes in the pharynx, above the gills and leaves through the gill slits. The reproductive organs of the male are different than that of a female hammer head shark. The males contain claspers which are elongated pelvic fin edges. The females contain a cloaca which is an opening that serves the digestive and reproductive functions. Although the males contain the cloaca as well, it is used only for that of a digestive aid. The sensory organs of the hammer head shark are exquisite. They contain the Ampullae of Lorenzini which allows the shark to sense the electrical fields produced by prey. Each of these ampulla is made up of clusters of sensory cells that let the shark detect its pretty that may be hiding in sand. These ampulla’s can also help the shark notice changes in temperature of the water, pressure, salinity, magnetic fields and mechanical stimuli. The Lateral Line is part of the sensory system that goes along with the Ampullae. Together they make up the electro sensory