External Anatomy

The following are the names and functions of the External Anatomy:

Eye- Used for seeing.

Eyelid- Closes over the eye to protect it during attack.

Nostril- Used for smell.

Mouth- Used for eating.

Spiracle- It is the first gill slit and is used for breathing.

Gill Slits- Used for breathing.

lst Dorsal Fin- On the dorsal side closest to the head. Used for balance, swimming and a little bit of steering.

2nd Dorsal Fin- Same as the first dorsal fin.

Pectoral Fin- Used for direction and swimming.

Pelvic Fin- Used for stabilization.

Claspers- Only on male sharks and are used for sperm transfer during mating.

Caudal Fin- Used for movement from side to side.

Rostrum- Streamlines it and helps with speed.

Lateral Line- Used for detecting water movement.

Cloaca- It is the exit from the digestive track and is the opening for sex organs.

Dorsal Spines- Used for protection.