Knowra Insect antenna Insect antenna An insect antenna is one of a pair of segmented sensory appendages on the head. Its receptors detect cues such as odors, touch, humidity, temperature, and movement.
Chemoreception : The detection of chemical substances by sensory receptors. Olfactory receptors on antennae detect odors and contact chemicals.
Insect head : The anterior body region of an insect, bearing the eyes, mouthparts, and antennae. Antennae attach to the head beside other major sensory structures.
Pheromone : A chemical signal released by an organism that changes behavior or physiology in members of its species. Antennae detect pheromones used to find mates and coordinate other behaviors.
Insect compound eye : An insect visual organ made of many light-sensitive units called ommatidia. Compound eyes primarily detect light, while antennae specialize in other environmental cues.
Mechanoreception : The detection of physical forces such as touch, vibration, and pressure. Antennal hairs and joints register contact, airflow, and movement.
Insect cuticle : The external skeleton of an insect, made chiefly of chitin and proteins. The cuticle forms antennal segments and supports sensory hairs and sockets.
Pollination : The transfer of pollen from an anther to a plant’s stigma. Antennae help flower-visiting insects locate and assess floral resources.
Insect maxillary palp : A sensory appendage attached to an insect’s maxilla beside the mouthparts. Maxillary palps can sense chemicals and touch, but are mouthpart appendages rather than antennae.
Olfactory receptor neuron : A sensory neuron that detects odor molecules and transmits signals to the nervous system. These neurons provide much of an antenna’s chemical sensitivity.
Arthropod segmentation : The division of an arthropod body or appendage into repeated, articulated units. Antennal segments move relative to one another through flexible joints.
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