Insects have an internal network of tubes called Trachea, the surface openenings to the systems are called spiracles
Gases move through the system via diffusion since respiring tissues set up diffusion gradients
In larger insects they also ventilate the tracheal sysem by rhythmically moving their bodies to pump air in and out of the system
The trachea branch into smaller tubes called tracheoles which are in contact with tissues
These tracheoles end in fluid, gasses dissolve in the fluid which is taken in when muscles are active, providing oxygen. It is released again when the muscles are inactve removing carbon dioxide
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Conservation of Water in Insects
Conservation of water
All teresstial organisms must compromise the need for an efficient gas-exchange system with conservation of water
Insects do this in 3 ways
Waterproof coverings- insects have waterproof coverings over thier body surfaces (exoskeleton covered with a waterproof cuticle)
Small surface area to volume ratio- minimise area over which water is lost
Spircales can be opened and closed by a valve, controlling +water loss
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