Gill morphometrics, vessel dimensions, and vascular resistance in ling cod, Ophiodon elongatus

Abstract

The morphology, morphometric relationships, and vascular geometry were established for ling cod gills using fixed tissue and vascular casts. Calculations using Poiseuillian and sheet flow equations permitted predictions of the resistance and the pressure drop in various vessels of the respiratory network in the gill filament. It was found that the afferent lamellar arteriole was the major vascular resistance. Blood transit times through the gills were also calculated and discussed.