A postmortem analysis of a freshwater fish that died after

Last updated: 7/16/2022

A postmortem analysis of a freshwater fish that died after being placed accidentally in saltwater would likely show that loss of water by osmosis from cells in vital organs resulted in cell death and organ failure. the gills became encrusted with salt, resulting in inadequate gas exchange and a resulting asphyxiation. the kidneys were not able to keep up with the water removal necessary in this hyperosmotic environment, creating an irrevocable loss of homeostasis. high amounts of salt had diffused into the fish's cells, causing them to swell and lyse. brain cells lysed as a result of increased osmotic pressure in this hyperosmotic environment, leading to death by loss of autonomic function.