Spiracle

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

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In elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays), a spiracle is found behind each eye, and is used to pump water through the gills while the animal is at rest (Fouts, 2003).

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

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Animal: :For the Muppet Show character, see Animal (Muppet). For the professional wrestler, see Joseph Laurinaitis....

Respiratory system: The respiratory system is the biological system of any organism that engages in gas exchange. Even trees have respiratory systems, taking in carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen during the day, consuming carbon dioxide and producing oxygen constantly....

Elasmobranch: REDIRECT Elasmobranchii...