Let me share with you a difference between pulmonary respiration and cutaneous respiration.
| Aspect | Pulmonary Respiration | Cutaneous Respiration |
| Introduction | A type of respiration that occurs through Lungs and respiratory system | A type of respiration that occurs through skin. |
| Respiratory surface | Respiratory surface is internal, within the lungs | Respiratory surface is external, on the skin. |
| Special structures | Lungs have alveoli and a complex structure for efficient gas exchange | Skin is relatively flat, lacking specialized structures for gas exchange |
| Occurs in | Terrestrial vertebrates and some aquatic vertebrates | Common in amphibians and certain aquatic invertebrates |
| Risk of desiccation | Internal respiratory system is protected from drying out | Risk of desiccation (drying out) is higher, requiring adaptations such as mucous glands or moist environments |
| Efficiency | Typically more efficient due to specialized structures like alveoli | Less efficient as compared to lungs, especially in larger animals |