The "killer whale", or Orcinus orca, also referred to as the orca, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Killer whales are found in all oceans. Killer whales have a diverse diet. Some eat fish while others eat marine mammals, including other whales. They can weigh up to 6 tons and grow up to 23 to 32 feet.
Cardiovascular SystemThe killer whale has a typical mammal cardiovascular system. The heart that regulates where the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood goes. Oxygen poor blood comes to the right side of the heart and goes to the lungs to be oxygenated. Then returns to the left side of the heart where it is pushed throughout the body. What is unique about the killer whale's cardiovascular system is the heating of the veins by the arteries. The blood in the arteries are coming from the core of the body, so it is very warm. On the other side, the blood in the veins are coming from the far parts of the body and are very cold. The veins are close to the arteries so that the arteries warm up the blood and keep the whale warm. |