Structural mechanics of the mosquito heart and its function in bidirectional hemolymph transport

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.035014
• Publication Date: 2010-01-29T18:18:28Z
• Authors: Justin D. Glenn; Jonas G. King; Julián F. Hillyer
• Keywords: Hemolymph; Abdominal aorta

SUMMARY The insect circulatory system transports nutrients, signaling molecules, wastes and immune factors to all areas of the body. primary organ driving circulation is dorsal vessel, which consists an abdominal heart a thoracic aorta. Here, we present qualitative quantitative data characterizing mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Visual observation showed that resting mosquitoes contracts at rate 1.37 Hz (82 beats per minute) switches contraction direction, with 72% contractions occurring in anterograde direction (toward head) 28% retrograde tip abdomen). tethered midline tergum by six complete three incomplete pairs alary muscles, propels hemolymph average velocity 8 mm s−1 sequentially contracting muscle fibers oriented helical twist respect lumen vessel. Hemolymph enters through incurrent ostia one pair located thoraco-abdominal junction receive from hemocoel venous channels, respectively. vessel expels distal excurrent openings anterior end aorta posterior heart. In conclusion, this study presents comprehensive revision expansion our knowledge mosquito for first time quantifies flow while observing contractions.