Spiracle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Indian moon moth (Actias selene) with some of the spiracles identified

Scanning electron micrograph of a cricket spiracle valve

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

In elasmobranchs (sharks 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 fish as the chirrups.

[edit] 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
• Chapman, R. F. The Insects. 1998. Cambridge University Press