Which structures are part of the respiratory system in bees?

The respiratory system in bees primarily consists of spiracles, air sacs, and tracheae. Spiracles are small openings located along the sides of the bee’s abdomen that allow air to enter the respiratory system. Once inside, the air travels through a network of tracheae, which are tubes that distribute oxygen directly to the tissues and cells throughout the bee's body. The air sacs act as reservoirs for storing air, providing a means for the bee to maintain a continuous flow of oxygen to support its metabolic processes.

This system is quite different from vertebrate respiration, as bees do not have lungs. Instead, they rely on diffusion to exchange gases directly through their exoskeleton and tracheal system. Therefore, the correct components of the bee respiratory system are found in the choice that includes spiracles, air sacs, and trachea, reflecting the specialized adaptations that enable bees to effectively transport oxygen and manage carbon dioxide within their bodies.