Insect Circulatory System Overview

An open circulatory system in insects, where hemolymph (insect blood) flows freely, unlike the closed circulatory system in vertebrates.

The blood of insects, which flows freely within the hemocoel.

The main body cavity of insects, where hemolymph flows.

The single main vessel in an insect's circulatory system, acting like a heart and aorta.

Small slits in the dorsal vessel that allow hemolymph to flow into the heart during relaxation.

The compartment above the dorsal diaphragm where hemolymph enters the the dorsal vessel via ostia.

A fibromuscular septum that separates the pericardial sinus, supporting the dorsal vessel.

Muscles supporting the dorsal vessel but not directly involved in pumping hemolymph

Flow of hemolymph into and out of the heart is regulated by heart valves within the ostia.

Hemolymph; insect equivalent of blood, it's a fluid that circulates through the body cavity, performing various functions.

A system in insects that moves haemolymph, a fluid similar to blood and lymph, throughout the body.

The fluid that circulates in insects; acts like blood and lymph.

Hemolymph functions include lubrication, hydraulic movement (like molting), transport (nutrients, gases), protection (phagocytosis), thermoregulation, osmotic pressure, and even defense (reflex bleeding).

The main heart-like tube that pumps haemolymph forward in the insect body.

A sugar form of carbohydrate found in insects.

A lipid-protein complex important in transporting lipids in insects.

A muscle-like structure influencing haemolymph movement and chemical exchange.

Wave-like muscle movements that push haemolymph through the circulatory system.

A high concentration of amino acids in the insect's hemolymph.

An antifreeze compound found in insects living at high altitudes.

Muscles that help pump haemolymph, especially in appendages.

Specialized accessory pumps at the base of antennae that release neurohormones affecting sensory neurons.

Insect's nitrogenous waste product.

Various types of nucleated cells in Insect blood, each with a unique function.

Haemolymph movement in wings based on air currents, not pulsatile organs.

The smallest insect blood cell with the largest nucleus.

A watery fluid with ions, molecules, and cells: plasma and haemocytes.

The fluid portion of haemolymph; containing various components.

Insect blood cell that engulfs foreign particles (phagocytosis).

The cellular elements in haemolymph.

Insect blood cell with many cytoplasmic inclusions.