Mako Shark (Isurus Oxyrinchus)
Sharks have a two-chambered heart, with an atrium and a ventricle. The heart is an S-shaped tube that is located in the head region of the shark. The blood is pumped by the heart through the afferent branchial arteries, which pump blood inward towards the heart, then to capillaries in the gills where the blood is oxygenated. The blood then flows through efferent branchial arteries, which pump blood away from the heart, through the tissues of the body. In order for the shark to be able to move so quickly and gracefully in the water, its circulatory system is necessary. Because of the myriad of capillaries in the predator's muscles, its blood is constantly being warmed. This action allows the shark's muscles to contract rapidly, which aids it in rushing and jumping. This attribute is very advantageous, however, the circulatory system of a shark requires a consistent replenishment of energy. This is why the mako shark is very dangerous, because it's constantly looking for food to obtain energy. |