Understanding the Difference between Open and Closed Circulatory System
One of the most important systems in the human body is the circulatory system. It is responsible for carrying oxygen, nutrients, and other essential substances to all parts of the body. The circulatory system is divided into two types: open and closed circulatory systems. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the two types of circulatory systems.
Open Circulatory System
An open circulatory system is one in which the blood is not enclosed inside blood vessels. Instead, it flows freely in the body cavity of the organism, bathing the organs and tissues directly. This type of circulatory system is found in many invertebrates such as insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.
In an open circulatory system, the heart pumps blood into the body cavity, where it circulates and comes into contact with the organs and tissues. The blood then returns to the heart through openings called ostia. Due to the lack of vessels, the blood flow is slower in an open circulatory system as compared to a closed circulatory system.
Closed Circulatory System
In a closed circulatory system, the blood is enclosed within blood vessels. This type of circulatory system is found in vertebrates, including humans. In a closed circulatory system, the heart pumps the blood into a network of blood vessels, which reach every part of the body.
Unlike an open circulatory system, the blood flow in a closed circulatory system is faster and more efficient. The blood vessels ensure that the blood reaches every part of the body, providing oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removing waste products.
Key Differences between Open and Closed Circulatory System
The table below summarizes the key differences between open and closed circulatory systems.
| Feature | Open Circulatory System | Closed Circulatory System |
| ——————–|————————-|—————————|
| Blood vessels | Absent | Present |
| Blood flow | Slower | Faster |
| Transport efficiency| Poor | High |
| Organisms | Invertebrates | Vertebrates |
Conclusion
The circulatory system is vital for the survival of all living organisms. The difference between an open and closed circulatory system lies in the way blood flows in the body. While an open circulatory system is found in some invertebrates, a closed circulatory system is present in all vertebrates, including humans. Understanding the difference between these two types of circulatory systems is crucial, as it helps us appreciate the complexity of the human body and other living organisms.
Table difference between open and closed circulatory system
| Characteristic | Open Circulatory System | Closed Circulatory System |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An open circulatory system is a type of circulatory system where the blood is not enclosed in vessels and instead flows freely throughout the body cavity. | A closed circulatory system is a type of circulatory system where the blood is enclosed in vessels and flows through the body in a closed circuit. |
| Organisms that use this system | Arthropods such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans | Mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and some invertebrates |
| Heart | Open circulatory systems have a heart, but it is not highly specialized and does not have a complex structure like that of closed-circulatory-system animals. | Closed circulatory systems have a highly specialized heart that pumps blood throughout the body. |
| Vessels | Open circulatory systems do not have vessels that contain blood. Hemolymph is the fluid that carries nutrients and oxygen around the body. | Closed circulatory systems have a network of vessels that transport blood throughout the body. |
| Efficiency | An open circulatory system is less efficient because the hemolymph does not contain as many nutrients or oxygen as blood does. | A closed circulatory system is more efficient because blood is able to carry more nutrients and oxygen to the tissues. |