hemocoel

Definition

The primary body cavity of most arthropods, in which blood circulates and bathes the organs directly within an open circulatory system.

Etymology

From Greek 'haima' meaning 'blood' and 'koilos' meaning 'cavity'.

Example

Insects and other arthropods have a hemocoel that allows nutrients and waste products to be transported throughout their body.

Synonyms

• Blood cavity
• Open circulatory cavity

Related Terms

• Open circulatory system
• Hemolymph
• Arthropod anatomy

Usage Notes

The hemocoel is crucial for the distribution of nutrients and the removal of metabolic waste products in arthropods, functioning differently from the closed circulatory system found in vertebrates.