- #1
Kt_Atis
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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
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- Insect
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the phenomenon of insects surviving after head removal, exploring the biological mechanisms that allow this to occur. Participants examine the differences in nervous system control between insects and mammals, as well as the implications for understanding bodily functions post-head removal.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that the insect brain does not control body functions in the same way as in mammals, noting that insects lack an autonomic nervous system.
- It is mentioned that breathing in insects is passive, facilitated by spiracles in the exoskeleton, allowing for air exchange without brain control.
- One participant challenges the assertion about mammalian heart control, suggesting that heart muscle is myogenic and can maintain a steady pace independently of the brain, even outside the body.
- A later reply references the vagus nerve's parasympathetic effects on the heart, indicating that biological processes are not absolute and that heart tissues can survive outside the body under certain conditions.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the control of heart functions in mammals and the implications for understanding insect physiology. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of brain control over bodily functions in both insects and mammals.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include potential misunderstandings about the role of the brain in controlling heart rate and breathing, as well as the specific conditions under which heart tissues can survive outside the body.
- #2
jim mcnamara
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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
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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
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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.
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