GILLSLIT

Gill slit

Gill slits are individual openings to gills, i.e., multiple gill arches, which lack a single outer cover. Such gills are characteristic of cartilaginous fish such as sharks, and rays. Most of these have five pairs, but a few species have 6 or 7 pairs. Shark gill slits are not covered, but lie in a row behind the head. The anterior edge of a gill slit is motile, moving outward to allow water to exit, but closing to prevent reverse flow. This modified slit, called a spiracle, lies just behind the eye, which assists the shark with taking in water during respiration and plays a major role in bottom–dwelling sharks. Spiracles are reduced or missing in active pelagic ...

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Gill slit
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

gill slit

Noun

  1. An individual opening to gills, which lacks an operculum; characteristic of Cartilaginous fish such as sharks.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: gill slit
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!