Difference between open circulatory system and closed circulatory system

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Let me share with you a difference between open circulatory system and closed circulatory system.

AspectOpen Circulatory SystemClosed Circulatory System
Type of fluid             Hemolymph         Blood
Presence of Vessels·        Few or no vessels

·        Hemolymph flows directly into body cavities (hemocoels)

·        Well-defined vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries)

·        Blood flows throughout the body through them.

Pressure rate         Lower pressure      Higher pressure
Transport  of oxygen Limited ability for targeted oxygen deliveryEfficient targeted oxygen delivery to tissues
Nutrient transportLimited ability for nutrient deliveryEfficient  nutrient delivery to tissues
Waste removalLimited efficiency in removing waste productsEfficient removal of waste products
AdvantagesLess energy-intensive and can adapt to variable oxygen demandsMore efficient delivery of oxygen, nutrients and waste removal; allows for higher metabolic rates
DisadvantagesLess precise delivery of oxygen and nutrients and limited capacity for high metabolic ratesRequires more energy, thus less adaptable to variable oxygen demands
Examples

 

 

·        Insects

·        Mollusks

 

 

 

·        Mammals

·        Birds

·        Reptiles

·        Annelids

·        Cephalopods