air sac A small respiratory cavity. In birds, air sacs lead off the lungs and often enter the bones. They improve the efficiency of air ventilation in the lungs and contribute to the lightness of the bones. In many insects they occur as expansions in the tracheae (breathing tubes) and improve gas exchange by increasing the surface area of available for respiration. Related category • ZOOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |