The way worms breathe is unique. This is because worms breathe in a special way and are different from other animals. You can find out more about this animal’s respiratory system in the following discussion.
Read also: Functions of the antenna in insects and their forms, get to know them better!
Get closer to how worms breathe
You must know that worms do not have a respiratory system. Basically, the respiratory system of these animals is similar to that of amphibians. This is because all types of worms breathe through the skin surface.
As for how breathing works in this animal, there are many blood vessels on the surface of the skin that can produce mucus. No wonder why the worm’s habitat is in the ground. In this way, the wet skin surface can absorb oxygen properly.
In the work of the worm’s respiratory system, oxygen can then join in the blood. Subsequently, oxygen and blood circulate throughout the worm’s body.
Meanwhile, the carbon dioxide gas from the respiration will go out again through the skin surface of the worm.
Worm breathing tool and its functions
The body of the worm consists of segments. With this body, the worms will find it easier to breathe through the skin surface.
To know it better, it is good to know the details of the worm’s respiratory system, complete with its functions.
1. Cuticles
The cuticle is a thin layer found on the skin surface of the worm. The condition of the cuticle is always wet and moist because the worm’s habitat is actually in a humid place.
As for its function, the cuticle plays an important role in absorbing the oxygen in the soil so that it can enter the blood vessels.
2. Tissue blood capillaries
In addition to the cuticle, there is a network of blood capillaries just below the skin layer. The weave that supports this way of breathing is very dense and helps the process of binding the oxygen that enters the worm’s body.
Read also: Unique Facts About Wood Frog, Rising From The Dead After Freezing
3. Blood plasma
The respiratory system of the worm also includes blood plasma. In blood plasma there is a hemoglobin pigment that is able to bind oxygen properly.
This oxygen will be distributed accurately to the cells of the body. Another function, this hemoglobin will also release oxygen into the body cells of the worm.
Benefits of earthworms
By breathing through the surface of the skin, earthworms basically offer a variety of benefits. Here are some of the benefits of earthworms.
1. Able to maintain soil structure
One of the benefits you can get from having earthworms is the ability to properly maintain soil structure.
This is because the dirt produced by earthworms can hold moisture so it doesn’t spread. Not only that, worm tunnels are also a place where roots form.
Because it has a well-maintained soil structure, plants can thrive on it. Additionally, worm tunnels also allow plant roots to go deeper. This is clearly capable of feeding the surrounding soil.
2. Maintain soil fertility
By breathing through the surface of the skin, earthworms can not only maintain soil structure, but also fertilize the soil.
You must know that the holes in the ground that come from worms can produce mucus to absorb more air. Soil can be more fertile because worms eat plant debris.
Ultimately, this makes it a natural fertilizer for plants. In this way, not only the soil can be fertile, but also the plants. This proves that the existence of earthworms is beneficial.
Read also: How spiders extract the web from their body
3. As a drug against typhus
Another benefit you can get from the existence of earthworms is as a cure for diseases. One type of disease that can be treated with earthworms is typhoid.
Earthworms are also one of the traditional medicines known in various countries.
In addition to Indonesia, the benefits of earthworms as a traditional medicine also exist in Vietnam, Japan, Korea, China. As for traditional medicine, you just have to get rid of the dirt that is in the earthworms and wash them thoroughly.
After that, you can boil the earthworms until it boils and remove them. Earthworm water decoction can cure typhus.
The above review shows how to fully breathe worms. You can also understand what the worm’s respiratory system is, complete with its functions. The benefits of earthworms are no less important to know. (R10/HR-Online)
