gas exchange Flashcards
1
Q
What are the features of gas exchange?
A
- large surface area
- thin/short distance
- steep concentration gradient
2
Q
Why can’t insects use their bodies as an exchange surface?
A
They have a waterproof chitin exoskeleton and a small surface area to volume ratio to conserve water.
3
Q
What are the main features of an insect gas transport system?
A
spiracles, tracheae, tracheoles
4
Q
What are spiracles?
A
Holes on the body’s surface that may be opened or closed by a valve for gas or water exchange.
5
Q
What is a tracheae?
A
Large tubes extend through all body tissues, supported by rings to prevent collapse.
6
Q
What are tracheoles?
A
smaller branches dividing off the tracheae
7
Q
What is the process of gas exchange in insects?
A
- Gases move in and out of the tracheae through the spiracles.
- A diffusion gradient allows oxygen to diffuse into the body tissue while waste co2 diffuses out.
- contraction of muscles in the tracheae allows mass movement of air in and out.
