gas exchange in insects

Question 1

how do insects gas exchange

Answer 1

1) abdominal spiracles open and thoracic spiracles close
2) the body expands increasing volume and decreasing pressure forcing air into the spiracles
3) air moves into the trachea then into tracheoles
4) when resting gases diffuse from tracheoles directly into tissues but during high metabolic activity oxygen dissolves into fluid at the end of tracheoles and diffuses directly into muscle cells
5) the body contracts decreasing volume and increasing pressure
6) the thoracic spiracles open and air is released

Question 2

how are insects adapted for gas exchange

Answer 2

• spiracles open and close to prevent water loss
• lined with small hairs preventing entry of pathogens
• thin waxy exoskeleton comprised of chitin preventing water loss