Spiracle

From Free net encyclopedia

Spiracles are small openings on the surface of animals that usually lead to respiratory systems.

In elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays), a spiracle is found behind each eye, and is often used to pump water through the gills while the animal is at rest (Fouts, 2003). A spiracle is also found in primitive bony fishes as the bichir.

In insects and some more advanced spiders, spiracles allow air to enter trachea (Solomon et.al., 2002). However, tracheal tubes do not deliver oxygen to the animals tissues. Instead the oxygen diffuses into the hemolymph (Foelix, 1996).

References

• Fouts, William. April 2003. Marine Science Dept. Orange Coast College.
• Solomon, Eldra, Linda Berg, Diana Martin. 2002. Biology. Brooks/Cole.
• Foelix, Ranier. 1996. Biology of Spiders. Oxford U. Press