INSECTS gas exchange

• How do insects reduce water loss from their gas exchange system?

  By closing their spiracles using sphincters
• What is the first key idea about the gas exchange system in insects?

  It provides oxygen directly to cells
• What is the role of the exoskeleton in insects regarding gas exchange?

  It prevents gases from easily passing through
• What are the small openings on the insect's exoskeleton called?

  Spiracles
• What do spiracles allow in insects?

  Diffusion of gases into the insect's body
• What is the network of tubes that spiracles lead into called?

  Trachea
• What is the diameter of trachea in insects?

  About one millimeter
• What reinforces the walls of the trachea?

  Spirals of chitin
• What are tracheoles?

  Fine tubes extending from the trachea
• What is the diameter of tracheoles?

  Around one micrometer or less
• Why do tracheoles allow rapid diffusion of oxygen?

  They have a short diffusion distance to cells
• What gas is produced during aerobic respiration in insects?

  Carbon dioxide
• What happens to tracheal fluid during intense activity?

  Water moves into cells, reducing fluid volume
• How does the concentration gradient affect gas exchange in insects?

  Oxygen diffuses from high to low concentration
• Why are insects generally small?

  To reduce distances for diffusion
• What is a significant problem insects face regarding gas exchange?

  Loss of water through spiracles
• How do spiracles help in water conservation?

  They can be closed by muscular sphincters
• What are the three main body segments of insects?

  Head, thorax, and abdomen
• What do air sacs in some insects do?

  Store oxygen for use when spiracles are closed
• What are the key components of the gas exchange system in insects?

  • Spiracles for gas entry
  • Trachea for gas transport
  • Tracheoles for gas diffusion
  • Tracheal fluid for moisture regulation
• How do insects adapt their gas exchange system for high activity levels?

  • Evolved spiracles for gas exchange
  • Use of tracheal fluid to enhance diffusion
  • Mass transport through thorax and abdomen contraction
• What is the process of gas exchange in insects?

  1. Oxygen enters through spiracles
  2. Diffuses through trachea to tracheoles
  3. Oxygen reaches cells for aerobic respiration
  4. Carbon dioxide diffuses back to spiracles