Respiration

The respiratory system of an insect is relatively simple. Insects have about twenty holes, called spiracles, in their exoskeletons, which allow air to pass into tubes called trachea. The trachea in turn branch out into smaller and smaller tubes which reach out to each cell of the insect's body. Most insects have ten spiricles on each side of their body for a total of twenty spiracles. The tubes carry oxygen directly to the cells and carbon dioxide out of the cells. The passage of these materials into and out of the cells takes place by diffusion. The only exceptions are a few aquatic insects which have gill-like structures, and a few other insects which rely only on diffusion to breath.

Special Adaptations
  • Air sacs help to provide extra oxygen to the insect when it is not moving, and air is not moving through its trachea.

Table of Contents Previous Next