Difference between Open Circulatory System and Closed Circulatory System

The circulatory system of an organism is responsible for the transport of blood, useful nutrients, and oxygen supply to different parts of the body. The more complex the organism, the more complex the circulatory system it has. For example, the circulatory system in humans is more complex than the circulatory system in insects. The developed circulatory system comprises the specialized circulatory fluid, the heart, blood, and blood vessels; all participate in the pumping of blood to the tissues. On the basis of the blood vascular system, there are two types of circulatory or vascular system. The open circulatory system is present in invertebrates such as mollusks and arthropods. In the open circulatory system, the blood pumped by the heart is filled into the body cavities (Haemocoel). On the other hand, the closed circulatory system is present in invertebrates such as earthworms and cephalopods. In the closed circulatory system, the blood pumped by the heart is transported to the other parts through the vessels and in this case there is no hemocele.

Comparative chart

The open circulatory system is a less efficient vascular system, which is present in invertebrates such as mollusks and arthropods. In this circulatory system, the transport of blood takes longer and the rate of supply and removal of material is also quite low compared to the closed circulatory system. Blood flow in this type of vascular system takes place through empty spaces called sinuses and lagoons. When blood is pumped by the heart, it is stored in the cavity called Haemocoel. Even the internal organs of that organism in the open circulatory system are bathed in blood. As the supply and exchange of the material is the other important function of the circulatory system; in this circulatory system,

What is the closed circulatory system?

The closed circulatory system is a more efficient vascular system, which is present in invertebrates such as earthworms and cephalopods. In this circulatory system, the transport of blood occurs rapidly and at the same time the supply and removal of materials are also rapid. Closed vessels are present in this type of circulatory system and are responsible for blood flow. Unlike the open circulatory system, in this system the cavity where blood is stored (Haemocoel) is absent. Since the vessels work to transport blood, the internal organs do not remain in direct contact with the blood. The exchange and elimination of material takes place through the capillaries, in this type of vascular system.

• Blood flow in the open circulatory system takes place through empty spaces called sinuses and lagoons. Contrary to this, closed vessels are present in the closed type of circulatory system and are responsible for blood flow.
• In the open circulatory system, when blood is pumped by the heart, it is stored in the cavity called Haemocoel, while in the closed circulatory system, Haemocoel is absent.
• In the open circulatory system, the transport of blood takes longer and the rate of supply and removal of material is also quite low compared to the closed circulatory system.
• The open circulatory system is present in invertebrates such as mollusks and arthropods. On the other hand, the closed circulatory system is present in invertebrates such as earthworms and cephalopods.