The anatomical diffusing factors (ADFs), defined as the ratio of surface area to the thickness of the diffusion barrier, of possible respiratory surfaces of adult amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) were evaluated using stereological methods. The ADF is greatest for the lining of the atrium and for the skin covering the segmental muscles. Calculation of the diffusing capacities for O(2) revealed that the lining of the atrium makes up nearly 83 % of the entire diffusing capacity (8.86 x 10(-3) microl min(-1)mg(-1)kPa(-1) while the skin over the segmental muscles (9%), the skin over the metapleural fold (4%) and the gill bars (4%) are of minor importance. The diffusing capacity of surfaces lying over coelomic cavities makes up 76% of the whole diffusing capacity, which is consistent with the hypothesis that the coelom may function as a circulatory system for respiratory gases. Muscles have approximately 23% of the entire diffusing capacity, indicating that they may be self-sufficient for O(2) uptake. The diffusing capacity of the blood vessels in the gill bars is only 1% of the total. Thus, the 'gills' lack significant function as respiratory organs in amphioxus (lancelets).