What role do lamellae play in the gas exchange of fish?

Lamellae are specialized structures found on the gills of fish, and their primary function is to increase the surface area available for gas exchange. This is crucial because fish extract dissolved oxygen from water, and the efficiency of this process greatly depends on the amount of surface area in contact with the water. The arrangement of lamellae creates a large surface area relative to their volume, allowing for more oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream and more carbon dioxide to be expelled, facilitating effective respiration.

In this context, options related to minimizing oxygen loss, decreasing carbon dioxide levels, or improving filtration of water do not accurately reflect the primary function of lamellae in the gas exchange process. Instead, their design primarily serves to maximize the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide through increased surface area.