Hemolymph
Hemolymph
Hemolymph (pronunciation: /ˈhiːməˌlɪmf/), derived from the Greek words 'haima' meaning 'blood' and 'lympha' meaning 'water', is the fluid in the circulatory system of arthropods such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Unlike blood in vertebrates, hemolymph does not carry oxygen and is analogous to both the blood and the interstitial fluid in humans.
Composition
Hemolymph is composed of a clear, watery fluid known as plasma and the hemocytes (blood cells). The plasma contains nutrients, hormones, and waste products. Hemocytes are involved in defense mechanisms and clotting.
Function
The primary function of hemolymph is to transport nutrients, metabolites, and hormones throughout the body of the arthropod. It also plays a crucial role in the arthropod's immune system, as it contains cells that fight off infections and diseases.
Hemolymph in Different Species
The composition and function of hemolymph can vary between different species of arthropods. For example, in some insects, hemolymph is involved in the process of molting, where the insect sheds its exoskeleton.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemolymph
- Wikipedia's article - Hemolymph
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