Tracheae: meaning, definitions and examples

🌬️

Add to dictionary

tracheae

[ˈtrɛkiˌiː ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anatomy biology

Tracheae are the fine tubes of the tracheal system in insects and some arachnids, which deliver air directly to the tissues. In mammals, the term often refers to the trachea itself, the windpipe that connects the larynx to the bronchi, allowing air passage to the lungs. The structure features rings of cartilage that maintain its shape and prevent collapse during breathing. The tracheae facilitate respiration by allowing inhalation and exhalation of air, contributing significantly to the overall process of gas exchange in living organisms.

Synonyms

air passage, trachea, windpipe.

Examples of usage

The tracheae in insects allow for efficient gas exchange.
The trachea branches into smaller bronchi.
In some species, tracheae can be highly specialized.
Exposure to pollutants can damage the tracheae.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'trachys', meaning rough, referring to the texture of the air tubes.
Tracheae were first described in scientific literature by the German entomologist Karl Friedrich von Schmid in the early 19th century.

Biology

These structures are primarily found in insects and some arachnids, allowing them to breathe without lungs.
They function by connecting directly to the outside, taking air into the body via small openings called spiracles.

Comparative Anatomy

In contrast to mammals, which use lungs and a diaphragm for breathing, tracheae deliver oxygen directly to tissues.
Some aquatic animals, like certain species of fish, use a different system of gills instead of tracheae for respiration.

Science

Insects can control the airflow through their tracheae, enabling them to use oxygen more efficiently during different activities.
The total length of tracheae in a single insect can be equivalent to many kilometers if laid out end-to-end.

Ecology

The efficiency of tracheal respiration can be influenced by the insect's environment, temperature, and even its activity level.
In stressful situations, insects can close their spiracles to conserve water, showcasing an adaptation to their environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "tracheae" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traqueias

🇮🇳 श्वसन नलिकाएँ

🇩🇪 Tracheen

🇮🇩 trakea

🇺🇦 трахеї

🇵🇱 tchawice

🇯🇵 気管

🇫🇷 trachées

🇪🇸 traqueas

🇹🇷 trake

🇰🇷 기관

🇸🇦 قصبات

🇨🇿 průdušky

🇸🇰 priedušky

🇨🇳 气管

🇸🇮 sapnice

🇮🇸 rör

🇰🇿 трахеялар

🇬🇪 ტრაქეები

🇦🇿 trokhealar

🇲🇽 tráqueas