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The anatomy of the decapod crustacean auxiliary heart

A Steinacker1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego 92093 and Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305.

The Biological Bulletin
|August 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Decapod crustaceans possess an auxiliary heart within the dorsal median artery, crucial for supplying the cerebral nervous system. This study details its unique muscular anatomy and neural connections.

Area of Science:

  • Crustacean anatomy
  • Neurobiology
  • Cardiovascular systems

Background:

  • Decapod crustaceans exhibit complex circulatory systems.
  • An auxiliary heart's function and location remain incompletely understood.
  • Understanding crustacean auxiliary hearts is vital for comparative physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the detailed anatomy of the auxiliary heart in decapod crustaceans.
  • To elucidate the neural innervation of this accessory cardiac structure.
  • To investigate potential neurosecretory roles within the auxiliary heart.

Main Methods:

  • Anatomical dissection of decapod crustacean specimens.
  • Histological examination of cardiac and neural tissues.
  • Neuroanatomical tracing techniques to identify motoneurons.
  • Microscopic analysis for sensory and neurosecretory elements.

Main Results:

  • The auxiliary heart is composed of two modified somatic muscle strips within a sinus.
  • It is situated at the anterior of the dorsal median artery, before its bifurcation.
  • Four motoneurons from the supraesophageal ganglion innervate the auxiliary heart muscles.
  • Evidence of sensory innervation and potential neurosecretory cells was observed.

Conclusions:

  • The auxiliary heart in decapod crustaceans is a specialized muscular structure with significant neural control.
  • Its anatomical position suggests a direct role in supplying hemolymph to the central nervous system.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand the physiological and neurosecretory functions.

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