1. Characteristics of Amphibians

2. EXTERNAL COVERING
The skin of an amphibian serves two important functions—
Respiration
Protection
The skin is moist and permeable to gases and water

3. EXTERNAL COVERING
Numerous mucous glands supply a lubricant that keeps the skin moist
Because of their skin, amphibians are vulnerable to dehydration

4. INTERNAL ANATOMY
Must rely on the support of their strong internal skeleton
Weight is transferred or distributed to strong limbs that support the body

5. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
The circulatory system of an amphibian is divided into two separate loops
1. Pulmonary Circulation  carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, then returns the oxygenated blood to the heart

6. The circulatory system of an amphibian is divided into two separate loops
2. Systemic Circulation carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the muscles and organs of the body and brings deoxygenated blood back to the heart

7. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

8. THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
This pattern of circulation provides a significant advantage over the “single-loop” circulation of a fish—faster blood flow to the body. In a fish, the blood loses some of its force as it passes through the narrow capillaries of the gills, and blood flow slows as a result.

9. RESPIRATION
Larval amphibians exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen through their gills and skin
Most adult amphibians respire through the lungs and through the skin (cutaneous respiration)

10. RESPIRATION
A frog breathes by changing the volume and pressure of air in its mouth while either opening or closing its nostrils
This is called positive-pressure breathing

11. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM All adult amphibians are carnivorous
The amphibian digestive system includes the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, and cloaca

12. EXCRETORY SYSTEM The kidneys are the primary excretory organ
Like the larvae of fishes, most amphibian larvae excrete the nitrogen-containing wastes as ammonia
Adult amphibians excrete urea

13. NERVOUS SYSTEM
An amphibian’s brain is about the same size as that of a similarly sized fish.
The amphibian brain consists of the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the medulla oblongata
The spinal cord and nerves are also a part of the amphibian’s nervous system

14. SENSE ORGANS
The senses of smell, sight, and hearing are well developed in most amphibians
All amphibians have eyes, and visual information is often important in hunting and in avoiding predators.