Question:

Study the following statements regarding the tracheal system of cockroach:
I. Tracheae possess spiral thickenings called taenidia.
II. Tracheoles are lined internally by chitinous intima.
III. Tracheoblast is the terminal cell of trachea.
IV. Tracheoles are closely associated with mitochondria in tissues.
Identify the correct statements

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The cockroach circulatory system plays no role in gas transport.
Because oxygen is delivered directly to tissues via tracheoles, cockroach blood (hemolymph) is colorless and lacks respiratory pigments like hemoglobin.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • I and II
  • I, III and IV
  • I, II and IV
  • II, III and IV
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the correct statements regarding the structure and function of the tracheal respiratory system in the cockroach (Periplaneta americana).

Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:
The respiratory system of insects is highly specialized, consisting of network tubes (tracheae and tracheoles) that deliver oxygen directly to tissues without utilizing blood as a carrier.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Statement I (Correct): The primary tracheae are lined internally by spiral cuticular thickenings called taenidia.
The taenidia keep the tubes open and prevent them from collapsing under negative pressure.

Statement II (Incorrect): While the larger tracheae are lined by a cuticular intima, the thin terminal tracheoles lack this chitinous lining.
The absence of intima in tracheoles is necessary to allow efficient gas exchange directly with surrounding tissues.

Statement III (Correct): Each trachea terminates in a specialized single cell called a tracheoblast, which gives rise to several fluid-filled tracheoles.

Statement IV (Correct): Tracheoles branch extensively and wrap closely around metabolically active cells, especially near mitochondria.
This close association ensures a direct and rapid supply of oxygen to fuel cellular respiration.


Step 4: Final Answer:
Statements I, III, and IV are correct, corresponding to option (B).
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