3.1.1 Exchange surfaces – Insect ventilation and gas exchange Flashcards
(11 cards)
What are the names of the openings on the thorax and abdomen of insects which allows air to enter and leave the insect?
The spiracles.
What are the names of the tubes that carry the air from the spiracles into the body of the insect? Tracheae.
Tracheae.
What is the function of the chitin in the tracheae?
It lines the tracheae and keeps the airways open and impermeable to gases.
Why are the tracheoles freely permeable to gases?
It allows gas exchange to take place with the respiring cells.
Which tubes carry the air from the tracheae to the tissues of the insect?
Tracheoles.
Which process allows air to move through the trachea and tracheoles?
Diffusion.
What is the function of the tracheal fluid at the end of the tracheoles?
It limits the diffusion of oxygen to the respiring cells.
What substance is produced when oxygen demand builds up in an insect?
Lactic acid is produced.
How does lactic acid reduce the amount of tracheal fluid in the tracheoles?
As the lactic acid builds up it causes water to move out of the tracheoles by osmosis. This exposes more surface area for gas exchange.
How is more air actively pumped into insects requiring more oxygen?
- The muscular pumping of the wings of an insect change the volume and pressure in the airways.
- Air is drawn in when the pressure falls.
- Air is forced out when the pressure rises.
What is the function of collapsible enlarged tracheae?
They act as air reservoirs that can increase the amount of air in the insect.
