The frogs respiration system is complex for a variety of different reasons. Firstly, the tadpoles they start of as are submerged in water at all times, meaning they require gills to breathe. These gills are internal and they take oxygen in through their skin, and let out carbon dioxide this way too.
As they mature and develop into frogs, most will develop lungs in order to breathe air on land, and will lose their gills when they undergo metamorphosis. During all stages of growth, however, breathing is controlled by the pulsing throat. The pulsation of the throat pulls air through the nostrils to the lungs, all the while keeping the mouth closed. They are also able to take air through the skin at this stage through capillaries found just under the outermost layer of skin. This method of breathing suits their environment perfectly, as taking in air and filling its lungs gives the frog added buoyancy allowing it to float easily. Having capillaries throughout the skin capable of taking in oxygen also benefits the frog as it enables it to obtain all the required oxygen faster. The African 'Hairy' frog (Trichobatrachus robustus) has small lungs and during breeding seasons some males will get 'Hair like projections' on the backs of their legs, allowing them to meet the required amounts of oxygen. In comparison to the human respiratory system, it is somewhat similar. Our nose and throat are linked directly much like a frog's, however we are unable to breathe through our skin. In humans, our diaphragm helps us inhale and exhale, whereas frogs do not have this or ribs, meaning they rely on the pulsating throat. The 'pulsating' motion is actually the frog lowering the floor of its mouth, causing the throat to expand. The nostrils then open, allowing air in.
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