- #1
Kt_Atis
- 18
- 0
How is it possible for insects to survive after they've had their head removed?
Insects Surviving After Head Removal
- Thread starter Kt_Atis
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Insect
In summary, insects can survive without their heads because their brain does not control body functions in the same way that it does for mammals. They do not have an autonomic nervous system and their breathing is passive through holes in their exoskeleton. This is different from humans, as our heartbeat and breathing are controlled by the brain. However, other animals such as cockroaches can live for days without a head due to their myogenic heart muscle and the effects of the vagus nerve. Biology is not always black and white, as it is possible to keep heart tissues alive outside the body.
- #2
jim mcnamara
Mentor
- 4,770
- 3,816
Short answer - the insect brain doesn't control body functions the way it does in mammals, for instance. Insects don't have an autonomic nervous system. Breathing in insects is passive - they have spiracles (holes) in the exoskeleton to allow air exchange for the body tissues.
Humans- heartbeat and breathing are under control of the brain. Remove the brain and breathing and heartbeat go away. Periplaneta spp. (cockroaches) can live for days without a head.
Humans- heartbeat and breathing are under control of the brain. Remove the brain and breathing and heartbeat go away. Periplaneta spp. (cockroaches) can live for days without a head.
- #3
moe darklight
- 409
- 0
jim mcnamara said:
My understanding was that heart muscle, being myogenic, is not controlled by the brain and heart rate can keep at a steady pace -- even outside the body (if provided with oxygen etc.) . I hope I didn't misunderstand since this is one of my favorite useless-facts to bring up when a conversation goes awkward and silent and there's nothing to talk about
- #4
jim mcnamara
Mentor
- 4,770
- 3,816
Read about the parasympathetic effects on the heart of the vagus nerve:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve
Most things in Biology are not absolute statements- it is possible to keep heart tissues alive and well outside the body.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve
Most things in Biology are not absolute statements- it is possible to keep heart tissues alive and well outside the body.
1. What happens to insects after their head is removed?
After their head is removed, insects typically die within a few hours. This is because the head contains vital organs such as the brain, nervous system, and sensory organs that are necessary for survival.
2. Can insects survive for a longer period of time without their head?
Yes, some insects such as cockroaches and praying mantises have been known to survive for a short period of time (a few days) without their head. This is because they have decentralized nervous systems that allow them to continue functioning without their brain.
3. How do insects survive without their head?
Insects that are able to survive without their head often have decentralized nervous systems, meaning their nerve cells are spread throughout their body. This allows them to continue functioning even without their brain. They also have the ability to breathe through small holes in their body called spiracles.
4. Are there any long-term effects on insects surviving without their head?
Insects that survive without their head may experience changes in behavior and movement, and may have difficulty finding food and avoiding predators. However, there are no long-term effects on their health or lifespan.
5. Can insects regenerate their head after it has been removed?
No, insects do not have the ability to regenerate their head after it has been removed. Once their head is removed, their body will eventually die due to the lack of vital organs and functions.
Similar threads
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical
-
Biology and Medical