Tracheal Pulsation in the Flea

Abstract

The phenomenon of tracheal pulsation has been demonstrated in three different species of fleas. It is shown to be independent of the other body rhythms, such as those of the heart and gut. Experiments are described showing the effect of oxygen, carbon dioxide, evacuation and of sectioning the central nervous system. Three theories are put forward to explain the phenomenon, and their relative merits are discussed.