Inka is the name of a fairy goddess, known from the Tatra Mountains. Zitnan takes great inspiration from Inka, and he named the cells in her honor. Ecdysis is now thought to follow from the sequential release of two hormones. The Inka cells release ETH, and the ETH acts on the abdominal ganglia to release the behaviors required for ecdysis. Ecdysis involves many behaviors that are unique to ecdysis.
Successful ecdysis requires that all behaviors are coordinated.
The Inka cells are positioned near each spiracle, where tracheal linings are withdrawn at ecdysis. These linings are fragile, and if torn the tracheal supply to that region is blocked. It is thought the Inka cells are in best position to serve as a last inspection site before the insect is irrevocably committed to going through ecdysis. The physiology of molting involves apolysis, depositing new cuticle and ecdysis. The circulating titre of JH at the time of the molt determines the developmental fate of the insect.