BRAINCAKEMass Transport
Most tracheoles extend parallel to the muscle fibres. The high tracheolar densities and penetration of flight muscle cells by tracheoles allow flying insects to achieve high oxygen consumption rates.
The maximum partial pressure gradient available to drive the diffusion of oxygen to the cells is fixed by the atmospheric partial pressure of oxygen.
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Key terms in this lesson
- diffusion
- The net movement of molecules or ions from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, down a concentration gradient.
- tracheole
- A fine, thin-walled tube branching from the tracheae in an insect's tracheal system, which carries gases directly to respiring tissues.
- spiracle
- A small pore in the exoskeleton of an insect through which air enters and leaves the tracheal system.
More in Exchange Surfaces and Breathing
- Breathing Rate and Ventilation Rate
- Gas Exchange in Unicellular Organisms
- Gas Exchange in Insects
- Diffusion Gradient
- Increasing the Rate of Diffusion
- Limitations of the Tracheal System
- Gas Exchange in Fish
- Structure of the Gills
All 24 lessons in Exchange Surfaces and Breathing · All OCR AS-level Biology topics