Question

What are the pros and cons of closed and open circulatory systems?

Answer 1

From the annelida to mammals closed circulatory system is found which is more efficient than open circulatory system in terms of separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Pros of closed circulatory system:

i. As the circulatory system involves ultra filtration of blood: systemic circulation and pulmonary circulation it offers a greater ability of oxygenated blood delivery to the tissues and send the deoxygenated blood to the lung for filtration.

ii. Faster and higher level of blood distribution in the whole body along with body extremities make it more efficient circulatory system. Quick blood distribution is related with faster metabolism that is digestion, movement and waste elimination. Thus as compared to open circulatory system, it provides more power.

iii. A lymphatic system is also present which is responsible for cleansing the cellular environment, maintain the tissue fluid and also absorb fat and fat soluble vitamins and provide protection against pathogens.

Cons of closed circulatory system:

i. As compared to the open circulatory system it is more complex structure with a network of arteries and veins therefore require more energy for blood distribution.

Pros of open circulatory system:

i. Changes of environmental pressure doesn't cause any vulnerabilities for those organisms having a open circulatory system. So those organisms can survive at any environmental pressure like at the bottom of the ocean.

ii. Changes in environmental temperature doesn't cause any negative impact for this organisms as they can dispel heat more efficiently when exposed to high environmental temperature and also maintain body temperature in cold environment if shelter is found .

iii. Need to restore system balance is not so important here as both systems(oygened and deoxygenated blood flow) are working individually.

Cons of open circulatory system:

i. As blood distribution is slow, metabolic activity also runs in low speed.

ii. As blood pressure is low and oxygenated and deoxygenated blood are mixed and in certain cases organisms are sessile in nature.

iii. For larger animals distribution of oxygen at the body extremities is quite challenging and in certain cases this may lead to cell starvation and cell death.