Question

Tracheoles in cockroaches are analogues to what structure in the human respiratory system?
A. Alveoli
B. Bronchi
C. Trachea
D. Respiratory bronchioles

Answer 1

Hint: Spiracles on the exoskeletons of insects allow air to enter the trachea. The tracheal tubes of insects are largely used to transport oxygen straight into the insects' tissues. Cockroaches also breathe using spiracles, which are tiny openings on the sides of their bodies. When air enters the respiratory system through exterior openings, spiracles act as muscle valves, allowing air to pass through to the internal respiratory system. The tracheae are the cockroaches' respiratory organs.

Step by step solution:
Let’s check each option to find the correct answer.
Option:A - The trachea is where air enters the body of a cockroach through the spiracle. The air travels from the trachea to the tiny tracheoles, where gaseous exchange occurs. As a result, tracheoles in cockroaches are similar to alveoli in humans, which are also gas exchange sites.
Thus, Option:A is correct.
Option:B – Tracheoles and bronchi are completely different in function. So, they are not analogous.
Thus, Option:B is not correct.
Option:C – Trachea are present in both the human and the cockroach’s respiratory system. In cockroaches the trachea leads the air towards alveoli while in cockroaches it leads the air towards tracheoles. Thus, trachea and tracheoles are not analogous to each other.
Thus, Option:C is not correct.
Option:D – Respiratory bronchioles and tracheoles are different in function. Respiratory bronchioles lead the air to alveoli in humans while tracheoles are sites of gaseous exchange in cockroaches.
Thus, Option:D is also not correct.

Thus, Option:A is the correct answer.

Note:
The tracheoles are a network of air passages that run throughout the body. When oxygen-rich air passes through the spiracles and into the tracheoles, it diffuses throughout the cockroach's different tissues and cells. Similarly, carbon-dioxide-rich air enters the trachea and travels outwardly via the spiracles. As a result of the respiratory process, carbon dioxide is released.