Ventilation in insects

• Through contracting muscles between each body segment, the insect can compress the tracheae and so pump gases in and out of its body - this is a type of ventilation

  • Pumping raises pressure in the body and forces air out of the spiracles down the pressure gradient
  • This can be done to increase the removal of carbon dioxide when energy demands increase and respiration levels are highest e.g during intense movement
• Through contracting muscles between each body segment, the insect can compress the tracheae and so pump gases in and out of its body - this is a type of ventilation