Shunts in the gill filament in tadpoles of Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo (amphibia, anura)

Abstract
Vascular shunts in the gill filament have been discovered in larvae of Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo by means of Indian ink and latex injections. These shunts offer a nonrespiratory flow path to the dorsal aorta. They are morphologically different from the shunts seen in urodeles. Contractility of the shunts is indicated and influence on gill blood flow proposed.