Respiratory horns
- Pronunciation
- /res-pir-uh-tor-ee hornz/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Respiratory horn
- Plural
- Respiratory horns
Definition
Structures found in some insects, particularly those belonging to the order Diptera, that are involved in respiration during the larval stage.
Etymology
From Latin 'respira-', meaning 'to breathe', and 'cornu', meaning 'horn'.
Example
The respiratory horns of certain fly larvae are essential for their underwater breathing.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Respiratory horns are often found in association with the spiracles in larvae of aquatic Diptera.