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Difference between Open and Closed Circulatory System FAQs
What differentiates open from closed circulation?
Closed circulation involves the flow of blood within the body through vessels such as arteries and veins, whereas open circulation occurs when there are no vessels to confine the blood and it can freely course through the body's cavities.
Give an example of a closed circulatory system?
All mammals, including humans, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, have closed circulatory systems. In contrast to open circulatory systems, which allow hemolymph to flow into open sinuses around internal organs, closed circulatory systems keep blood within vessels at all times.
What is the definition of an open circulatory system?
An open circulatory system combines blood and interstitial fluid (the fluid that surrounds cells) to form hemolymph. This mixture is then pumped into a cavity known as the hemocoel. Arthropods are examples of organisms possessing an open circulatory system.
What are the advantages of closed circulatory system?
In humans, a closed circulatory system is more efficient at delivering blood and nutrients. This system generates pressure, allowing blood to travel over longer distances and improving oxygen delivery. Animals with closed circulatory systems typically have higher metabolic rates than those with open circulatory systems.
What are the two main types of circulatory systems?
The two primary types of circulatory systems are the open circulatory system and the closed circulatory system.
Difference Between Open and Closed Circulatory System, Structure and Functions
Difference between open and closed circulatory system is that in an open circulatory system, blood flows freely through the body's cavities. In a closed circulatory system, blood flows through capillaries connected by arteries and veins.
Krati Saraswat23 May, 2025
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Difference between Open and Closed Circulatory System: The circulatory system functions as the network of blood vessels that transports blood throughout the body. This system, which includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood itself, facilitates blood circulation and ensures the distribution of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
The heart, an organ responsible for pumping blood, comprises two chambers, the right and left, separated by a septum, a thin muscular wall that prevents blood from mixing on either side. These chambers are connected by four pairs of arteries and veins each. A key difference between open and closed circulatory systems is how they handle blood and interstitial fluid. An open circulatory system allows for the mixing of blood and interstitial fluid, while a closed circulatory system prevents such mixing. Both open and closed circulatory systems play important roles in the flow of materials, including fluids, within the body, and perform various functions in humans and other animals.
Difference Between Open and Closed Circulatory System Overview
The fundamental difference between open and closed circulatory system is how blood circulates within an organism. In closed circulation, blood travels through internal vessels, such as arteries and veins. In open circulation, on the other hand, blood is not contained within vessels but flows freely through the body's cavities. Most multicellular organisms require a circulatory system to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body effectively. The evolution of two distinct types of circulatory systems has resulted from this necessity. Open Circulatory System: This system is predominantly found in invertebrates. In an open circulatory system, blood circulates freely through cavities due to vessels not guiding the blood. Closed Circulatory System: This system is present in vertebrates and certain invertebrates, such as earthworms. In a closed circulatory system, blood is contained within vessels that conduct blood throughout the body.
Difference Between Open and Closed Circulatory Systems
Circulatory systems are of two main types: closed and open. Closed circulatory systems are prevalent in vertebrates and a few select invertebrates, while open circulatory systems are common in invertebrates such as beetles and lobsters. The difference between open and closed circulatory system are outlined in the table below:
Difference Between Open and Closed Circulatory System
Characteristic
Open Circulatory System
Closed Circulatory System
Fluid Flow
Hemolymph directly bathes organs and tissues.
Blood circulates within enclosed vessels.
Blood and Fluid Distinction
Blood and interstitial fluid are indistinguishable.
Blood and interstitial fluid are separate.
Organisms
Found in mollusks and arthropods.
Found in annelids and vertebrates.
Blood Pumping
Blood is pumped into the body cavity.
Blood is propelled through vessels by the heart.
Vessels
Dorsal blood vessel is present.
Dorsal and ventral blood vessels are present.
Capillary System
Absence of a capillary system.
Presence of a capillary system.
Tissue Contact
Blood makes direct contact with surrounding tissues.
Blood does not directly contact tissues.
Nutrient Exchange
Nutrient exchange occurs directly between blood and tissues.
Nutrient exchange occurs through tissue fluid.
Gas Transport
No transport of gases.
Gases are transported.
Fluid Terminology
Fluid in the system is called hemolymph.
Fluid in the system is called blood.
Respiratory Pigments
Lack of respiratory pigments.
Presence of respiratory pigments.
Blood Volume Control
Blood volume is uncontrollable.
Blood volume is regulated by vessel contraction and relaxation.
Blood Flow Rate
Slow blood flow.
Rapid blood flow.
Spaces
Open spaces are sinuses and lacunae.
Closed spaces include arteries and veins.
Organisms Examples
Snails, clams, cockroaches, and spiders.
Humans, squids, cats, and earthworms.
Open Circulatory System
The open circulatory system is mainly found in invertebrates, such as those of the Phylum Arthropoda and Mollusca. In higher invertebrates, except for those of the Phylum Annelida, this fluid is not secreted into distinct vessels, but rather into small, irregular cavities. In this arrangement, referred to as an open circulatory system, the blood is not confined within vessels, but is instead pumped into a cavity known as the hemocoel. The resulting mixture of blood and interstitial fluid, which fills the space around cells, is termed hemolymph. This open system is less complex than the closed circulatory system. Certain organisms, including flatworms, sponges, and jellyfish, lack a circulatory system altogether. Consequently, vital nutrients, gases, and waste materials freely move in and out of their bodies. The interstitial fluid typically comprises water, hormones, sugars, fatty acids, coenzymes, salts, and various cellular products.
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Closed Circulatory System
A closed circulatory system is present in vertebrates and some invertebrates, such as earthworms. It involves vessels that transport blood throughout the body. The heart plays a vital role in the closed circulatory system by pumping blood into these vessels, ensuring its delivery to tissues and organs. Gas exchange occurs between smaller vessels (capillaries) and tissues during circulation. Annelids and vertebrates, including humans, have a closed circulatory system. In humans, there is not only a circulatory system for blood, but also a lymphatic system for lymph circulation. Compared to the open circulatory system, the closed circulatory system operates at a much higher blood pressure. Despite this, it is considered more efficient because it requires less blood for faster and more widespread distribution.
