GRASSHOPPER

Respiratory System of Grasshopper

Grasshopper Respiration System
Image of respiration System
 Respiration Process

 Respiration is aerial and the respiratory structures are tracheae (Fig. 18.68). There are two dorsal, two
ventral and two lateral longi­tudinal tracheal tubes. These communicate with one another by transversely
placed segmental tracheae. Some of these connecting tracheae are inflated as air-sacs. From the trachea
arises finer vessels, called the tracheoles, which form extensive network within the tissues. The inner wall of
the trachea is provided with spiral cuticular thickening. Such thickenings are absent in tracheoles. The
ultimate opening of the tracheole is immersed within body fluid, which conveys respiratory gases to and
from the cells.
 The lateral longitudinal vessels commu­nicate with the exterior through ten pairs of spiracles. Of these ten
pairs of spiracles, two pairs are on the thorax and the remaining eight pairs are on the abdominal segments.
These are placed in a row of ten in each lateral side. Each spiracle is enclosed by a round sclerite, called
peritreme and a valve to guard the opening. The valve is provided with muscles and nerves.
 During inspiration or taking in of air, the first four spiracles open and the air rushes inside. At the time of
expiration, last six pairs open and the air passes out of the body.