hemocoel

(noun)

the system of cavities between the organs of arthropods and mollusks through which the blood circulates

Related Terms

Examples of hemocoel in the following topics:

  • Open and Closed Circulatory Systems

    • In an open circulatory system, the blood is not enclosed in the blood vessels, but is pumped into a cavity called a hemocoel.

  • Phylum Arthropoda

    • A central cavity, called the hemocoel (or blood cavity), is present; the open circulatory system is regulated by a tubular, or single-chambered, heart.
    • The book lungs of arachnids (scorpions, spiders, ticks, and mites) contain a vertical stack of hemocoel wall tissue that somewhat resembles the pages of a book.

  • Subphyla of Arthropoda

    • Crustaceans have an open circulatory system where blood is pumped into the hemocoel by the dorsally-located heart.
    • Members of this subphylum have an open circulatory system with a heart that pumps blood into the hemocoel.