Pseudobranch
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The pseudobranch, also pseudobranchia is the reduced first gill arch of a fish. In teleost they are mostly without respiratory function, and in elasmobranchs are the gill arch of the spiracle. The function of the pseudobranch is unknown, but it is believed that it supplies highly oxygenated blood to the optic choroid and retina and may have baroreceptor (pressure) and thermoregulation functions. It may also be a site of oxygen chemoreception.
External links
- American Elasmobranch Society (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Organizations/aes/links.htm)
- Picture of trout pseudobranch (http://bellsouthpwp.net/r/s/rstrange/wfs550/html-con-pages/K-ext-gill-lab.html)
- Pseudobranch description incl. picture (http://www.aquaticpath.umd.edu/fhm/resp.html#anchor748988)