The process of breathing in insects such as grasshopper and cockroach is very slow. Insects do not breathe like human beings. Insects do not have lungs to do respiration. In insects respiration takes place through tracheae. Tracheae are tube like structures that open on the sides of their body through tiny holes called spiracles. Each trachea is further divided into fine tubules called tracheoles which reach all the parts of the body. During respiration, the oxygen rich air enter in the body of these insects through spiracles and reach all the cells of the body by passing through network of trachea and tracheoles. Thus, every cell gets oxygen directly. In the cells oxygen gas is used up to break the food particles. During breaking up of food a large amount of carbon dioxide gas and energy is produced. The carbon dioxide produced during respiration is released out of the body through the same network of trachea and tracheoles.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- Name the respiratory organ of an insect.
- How does air reach every cell of an insect?
- How air reaches directly inside the body of insects?
- Describe the mode of respiration in an insect with a diagram.