Arthropods: Open Circulatory System

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Arthropods have an open circulatory system, in which blood is pumped through a tubelike heart and out into the body cavity. In comparison, vertebrates have a closed circulatory system, in which blood is contained inside a system of arteries, veins, capillaries, and a heart. In an open circulatory system, blood is pumped through the heart and into the body, where it comes in direct contact with organs and tissues. The stiff exoskeleton of arthropods also helps control blood pressure. Because an exoskeleton does not change shape, when the heart pumps blood out into the body, the exoskeleton keeps the blood contained, while body movements keep it

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