tracheoles
/ˈtreɪkiˌoʊlz/
noun
- Very small tubes in the respiratory system of insects that carry oxygen directly to cells.
- Scientists studied how the tracheoles deliver air to the wing muscles of a dragonfly.
- The tracheoles branch out from larger tubes to reach every part of the insect's body.
- Oxygen moves through the tracheoles by diffusion, allowing the beetle to breathe.