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Insecta (view source)

Revision as of 21:07, 1 November 2008

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===Insect Body===

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*Covered by an exoskeleton secreted by underlying epidermis

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*Covered by an exoskeleton

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**Provides support and protection to the living tissues

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**Acellular so is secreted by underlying epidermis

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**The outer layer is called the '''epicuticle''' which is composed of proteins and covered by a waxy layer

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**The inner layers are the '''endocuticle''' and '''exocuticle''' which are composed of protein and chitin

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*Body is '''metameric''' (divided into segments)

*Divided into head, body and abdomen

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**Articular membranes link segments allowing movement

===Insect Head===

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*Claw

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*Usually six-segmented

====Wing====

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**Muscular control so can open and close at will

**Mounted on stigmatic plates

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**Lead to trachea

*Muscular contactions of the body wall produce respiratory movements

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====Alimentary and Excretary System====

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*The precise shape of the gut varies between [[Arthropods - WikiBugs|arthropods]]

*Alimentary canal divided into fore, mid and hind gut

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**General body cavity

**Equivalent to the capillary circulation in mammals

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**Contains haemolymph

*Ostia (openings) in the [[Vascular System - Anatomy & Physiology|blood vessel]] walls allow return of blood to the heart

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*Chain of fused ganglia running along the floor of the abdomen and thorax

**Nerves are given off from chain

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*Complex nervous system

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**Well developed visual senses

====Fat Body====

Nabrown

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