Question

The "foramen of Panizza" is found in which one of the following groups of animals?

• A. Fishes
• B. Crocodiles
• C. Frogs
• D. Dolphins

Hint:

The foramen of Panizza is a key circulatory adaptation found in crocodiles, enabling them to control blood flow during diving and underwater periods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The foramen of Panizza is a unique anatomical feature found in the hearts of crocodiles. It is an opening between the left and right aortas that allows blood to be directed into either the systemic circulation or the pulmonary circulation. This connection is especially important for crocodiles during periods of diving or when submerged underwater. The ability to bypass the lungs by rerouting blood flow through the foramen of Panizza is a key adaptation that allows crocodiles to hold their breath for extended periods.
This feature is not found in fishes, frogs, or dolphins. While these animals have unique circulatory systems suited to their environments, the foramen of Panizza is a specialized structure that evolved in crocodiles and is not present in the other groups listed. In fishes, the heart is typically single-circuit, while frogs and dolphins have separate pulmonary and systemic circulations, but without this special circulatory adaptation.