Gas Exchange In Insects Flashcards
Why do insects not have lungs
Because they are so small and have a large surface area to volume ratio
What do insects have instead of lungs
Spiracles
What are spiracles
Small holes that cover an insects entire body - besides the head
What is the process of gases exchange in insects
Air enters through the spiracles
It travels down the tracheal tubes
The tubes branch off into tracheoles
The tracheoles lead to individual cells
How do insects overcome not having a circulatory system
The oxygen in the air moves down the concentration gradient and diffuses straight into cells so that they can do respiration
How else can insects move air in and out of the spiracles
Through rhythmic abdominal movements
How does rhythmic abdominal movement work
The contacting of muscles in different segments of the body allows gases to be pumped in and out of the body
Can insects choose to open or close particular spiracles? What can this do?
Yes, they can choose to open and close particular spiracles, this can effectively suck air in one end and let it out the other
What can closing spiracles help with? What is this similar to
Not losing as much water, this is similar to the stomata in plants
When do spiracles close? Give an example
When the insect is inactive
Eg when stood still or when sleeping some spiracles close
