Gas Exchange in Insects

Flashcards about gas exchange in insects

What type of respiration do insects carry out?

Aerobic respiration in muscle tissues

What are the tiny holes on the outer casing of insects that allow air to flow in and out?

Spiracles

What is the trachea?

A tube leading from the spiracle to the insect's body, eventually penetrating muscle tissue.

What are tracheoles?

Smaller branches of the trachea.

What is the fluid found at the end of the tracheole called?

Tracheal fluid

What prevents the trachea from collapsing when the insect moves?

Spirals of chitin

How does the number of tracheas compare between insects and humans?

Insects have many, while humans have only one.

What materials support the trachea in humans versus insects?

Cartilage supports the human trachea, while chitin supports the insect trachea.

What creates the oxygen concentration gradient in insect tissues?

A lower oxygen concentration in the insect tissue compared to the air.

What is the purpose of a large number of tracheoles reaching tissues?

Ensure a short diffusion pathway and maximize surface area for gas exchange.

How thick are the walls of tracheoles?

One cell thick.

Why is tracheal fluid not always required for diffusion?

Diffusion through tracheal fluid is slow.

How do insects compensate when the rate of diffusion is too slow?

Absorb tracheal fluid into surrounding muscle tissues.

What adaptation do insects have to prevent water loss through evaporation?

Waterproof outer layer on the exoskeleton.

What allows insects to balance gas exchange and water loss?

Muscles around spiracles.

What adaptation do some insects that live in water have for obtaining oxygen?

Gills

What happens to insects as they get older and leave the water?

They lose gills and develop spiracles and tracheoles.