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What is an Open Circulatory System?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An open circulatory system is a type of circulatory system in which nutrients and waste are moved through the body with the assistance of a fluid which flows freely through the body cavity, rather than being contained in veins. Many invertebrates like insects and shellfish have an open circulatory system, with the exact composition of the circulating fluid varying, depending on the animal species involved. In contrast, vertebrates have a closed circulatory system which circulates blood through a series of vessels in the body, with the interstitial fluid known as lymph moving slowly between the cells and through a series of lymph nodes.

In the case of an animal with an open circulatory system, all of the organs and internal structures are constantly bathed in a mixture of the components of blood and lymph. This fluid brings nutrition and often oxygen to these structures, while carrying away waste for processing. Because the system is not closed, it is not possible to create blood pressure; instead, the animal circulates this fluid with muscle contractions. In some animals, the fluid is not oxygenated; instead, tissues receive oxygen directly through the tracheal system.

Mollusks can live at ocean depths without compression.
Mollusks can live at ocean depths without compression.

The fluid in an open circulatory system is sometimes referred to as hemolymph, referencing the fact that it is a cross between blood and lymph. It spends a brief amount of time in the heart, but instead of being pumped out of the heart and into a network of arteries and veins, it is dumped directly into the body cavity of the animal. If you have ever handled fresh shellfish, you have seen hemolymph; it is the pale pinkish to green fluid which squirts out when you cut the shellfish open.

Grasshoppers have open circulatory systems.
Grasshoppers have open circulatory systems.

One advantage to an open circulatory system is that it renders the animal much less vulnerable to pressure. This can be an advantage for mollusks which live at great depths, because it prevents compression of their bodies. Because many insects use their tracheal systems to transport oxygen, they tend to have open circulatory systems because they place less demands on their bodies; efficiency is not as urgent when oxygen and carbon dioxide are handled through a separate system.

The human circulatory system is responsible for transporting nutrients, water and oxygen throughout the body.
The human circulatory system is responsible for transporting nutrients, water and oxygen throughout the body.

The open circulatory system also gives animals greater control over their body temperature, which can be a distinct advantage at times. For example, it can help to quickly dissipate heat, allowing insects to survive in extremely hot environments. However, animals with a closed circulatory system have greater control over oxygen delivery to specific tissues, and they are also able to filter their blood and lymph more accurately because these systems are separated.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon997129

Why is the circulatory system of a grasshopper called an open type?

anon933742

What process would likely occur in an open circulatory system?

anon929519

I was wondering how the circulatory system of the grasshopper eliminates energy!

abundancer

@donbri5 -- A frog's circulatory system is closed. Since they go from land to water and do not go very deep into the water, they don't need the advantage of having an open circulatory system.

donbri5

Hi -- I'm trying to finish up some biology homework, and I was wondering if you could tell me if a frog's circulatory system open or closed? Also, does the fact that frogs are amphibious make a difference in the way in which their circulatory system functions?

BlogLove

It's interesting to see how an open circulatory system can be an advantage to the animals that have one. As the article stated, many animals that have open circulatory systems live in the water - because of this, their bodies need to be able to adapt to living in the water - this is where having an open circulatory system comes in handy, since it's less vulnerable to the effects of pressure.

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    • Mollusks can live at ocean depths without compression.
      By: Gordan Jankulov
      Mollusks can live at ocean depths without compression.
    • Grasshoppers have open circulatory systems.
      By: Eric Isselée
      Grasshoppers have open circulatory systems.
    • The human circulatory system is responsible for transporting nutrients, water and oxygen throughout the body.
      By: SCHMaster
      The human circulatory system is responsible for transporting nutrients, water and oxygen throughout the body.
    • The circulatory system of lymph and lymph vessels helps collect and remove fluids from the body and helps produce disease-fighting agents.
      By: designua
      The circulatory system of lymph and lymph vessels helps collect and remove fluids from the body and helps produce disease-fighting agents.