Unlocking the Mysteries Within: Exploring the Lobster Heart

Right now I am working on a research project investigating changing hormone levels in the lobster. I use quantitative mass spectrometry to assess hormone protein concentrations in hemolymph (blood) samples. Lobsters have what is known as a semi-open circulatory system. They do have arteries, but there are also places in the body where blood just flows freely. So, there are two ways to get a blood sample: you can use a needle and syringe to go through soft tissue and get blood from a hole in the body, like the tail. Or you can take a sample directly from an artery. The first method is definitely easier, but hormones come from a gland connected to the heart, so I need to make sure that the levels are the same between where the hormones come out and where blood is usually taken. I had to take samples directly from the opthalmic artery, which is the main artery that leaves the heart. The obvious problem is lobsters have hard shells protecting this area. The upside is that lobsters are incredibly resilient!.

I took off a small piece of the lobster shell with a drill, and then I used micro-dissecting scissors to cut off the epidermis.

In the video, you can see the heart (the white pouch) pumping blood. Then I covered the hole with a membrane that could be penetrating. After days, this lobster is still alive, and I can get blood samples from the main artery whenever I need to. Hope you enjoy this video! Its not everyday you have a window to a beating heart!.

With their intimidating claws and spiny shells, lobsters appear more machine than animal Yet beneath that tough exterior lies some surprisingly complex biology – including a very unique heart

As seafood fans bite into lobster tails and crack open claws, few consider what inner workings allow these ocean dwellers to function. So what enables a lobster’s circulation and survival? The answer lies in a distinctive organ central to its anatomy – the lobster heart.

In this article, we’ll dive deep to unravel the mysteries of the lobster cardiovascular system You’ll learn

How their heart differs from vertebrates like humans
The lobster heart’s key role in circulation
Fascinating secrets of lobster blood and vessels
How the cardiac system adapts to the lobster’s environment
And much more!

Join us as we explore the weird world of lobster anatomy and finally answer – does a lobster have a heart?

Lobster Heart 101 – Similarities and Differences to Humans

The lobster heart is indeed real, though quite unique. Let’s examine how it compares to the human heart:

Location – The lobster heart lies above the stomach and below the carapace (shell). In humans, it’s centered in the chest.
Chambers – The lobster heart has just one chamber. Human hearts have four.
Shape – The lobster heart is long and tubular. Ours is more rounded.
Size – A lobster heart spans just inches long. An adult human heart can be the size of a fist.

So while both serve as central circulatory pumps, the lobster and human heart differ significantly in anatomy. But why did they evolve so differently?

The answer lies in our contrasting environments. As terrestrial animals, humans needed a powerful multi-chambered heart to pump blood efficiently against gravity. Lobsters live immersed in water which buoyantly supports their circulation.

Now let’s examine how the unique lobster heart functions.

The Lobster’s Open Circulatory System

Unlike humans’ closed circulatory system, lobsters have an open system powered by their single-chambered heart.

Here’s how it works:

The lobster heart rhythmically contracts to pump hemolymph (their version of blood) from openings called ostia into open sinuses. This propels hemolymph through the lobster’s body cavity, bathing their organs.

Hemolymph seeps back through vessel lacunae (gaps) to return to the heart. This open system allows more direct delivery of hemolymph than our closed vessels permit.

So what are the advantages of an open circulatory system?

Simpler – Only requires a 1-chambered heart rather than a complex multi-chambered one.
Faster Circulation – Hemolymph flows freely rather than through constrained vessels.
Easy Gas Exchange – Direct hemolymph contact allows efficient oxygen absorption.

This unique anatomy exemplifies how the lobster cardiovascular system evolved to thrive in its ocean habitat.

Lobster Hemolymph – Unconventional Blood

In humans, blood transports oxygen in red cells and nutrients in plasma. Lobster hemolymph handles both – but in a very different way.

Here are some key qualities of this distinctive fluid:

Translucent – Unlike red human blood, hemolymph is clear or faintly blue tinted.
No Red Cells – Hemolymph lacks red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Ionic Bonds – Oxygen binds directly to ions like copper in hemolymph.
Nutrient Transport – Hemolymph circulates nutrients like human plasma.
Clotting – Hemolymph clots to seal injuries like human blood.

So while lobster hemolymph handles similar transport duties, its mechanics differ vastly from human blood. This again highlights the amazing adaptions of the lobster circulatory system.

Built to Withstand Pressure

The ocean exerts far greater pressure on organisms than air does. So how does the lobster heart adapt?

Some key cardiovascular features that help lobsters thrive under pressure:

Stout cardiac stomach chamber withstands crushing pressure.
Low fluid volume in open circulatory system minimizes effects of compression.
Hemolymph ions bind oxygen at high pressure.
Cardiac changes in rhythm and rate modulate circulation.

Lobsters’ adaption to pressure allows them to inhabit ocean floors hundreds of feet deep – a feat unmatched by most terrestrial species with closed circulatory systems!

The Lobster Heartbeat – Slower Yet Stronger

A human heart beats up to 60 times per minute at rest. But the lobster heart moves to a very different rhythm.

On average, the lobster heart pulses just 25 beats per minute. That’s less than half the human heart rate!

But here’s the surprise – each lobster heart contraction is exponentially more powerful than a human’s. This strong beat allows their low rate to effectively circulate hemolymph.

The lobster cardiac system evolved for short bursts of intense activity rather than constant high-speed pumping. This suits their habits of waiting patiently to ambush prey then darting out for the kill.

So while lobster and human hearts differ drastically in rate, they align well with each species’ lifestyle and needs.

Resilient Regulators – Adapting to Fluctuations

Like all creatures, lobsters require oxygen. But how does their cardiovascular system adapt to changing oxygen levels?

Remarkably, the lobster heart modifies its performance in response to the environment. Consider these examples:

In higher temperatures, heart rate increases to enhance circulation.
During molting, heart rate slows to conserve energy for growth.
Heart monitors oxygen levels, adjusting rate to sustain circulation.
Nerves tune heart function to exertion needed for activities like hunting.

This physiological plasticity enables lobsters to conserve or enhance cardiac output as conditions dictate. A marvel of natural engineering!

Nature’s Design – Two Pumps in One

Scientists discovered an ingenious dual-design in the lobster cardiovascular system. This allows the heart to operate as both a circulatory pump and a respiratory pump.

Here’s how it works:

As a circulatory pump, the heart moves hemolymph through the open sinus system.
As a respiratory pump, contraction compresses gill filaments, forcing water through.

So lobsters essentially get “two pumps for the price of one!” This helps maximize efficiency for both circulation and respiration.

Lobster Longevity and Cardiovascular Health

In ideal habitat with ample food and few predators, lobsters can live an astonishing 100 years!

What cardiovascular qualities help support this longevity?

Open circulatory system allows robust hemolymph flow.
Cardiac adaption resists hypertension and related disease.
Resilient heart muscle sustains pumping strength.
Hemolymph’s ionic oxygen binding averts hypoxia (shortage).
Lower metabolic rate reduces cardiac stress.

So while lobsters aren’t immune to all heart disease, their sturdy biology offers cardiovascular protection well into old age.

Cracking Open Cardiovascular Mysteries

From strange blood to uncanny adaptability, the lobster heart provides a portal into unique marine biology. By exploring this obscure yet important organ, we illuminated many facets of lobster anatomy.

So the next time you crack a lobster tail or claw, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating creature within. Just don’t crack open the heart – we need this amazing organ pumping to sustain lobsters for generations to come!

does a lobster have a heart

Sky of Blue, Sea of Green, Northeastern’s Blog Marine!

Right now I am working on a research project investigating changing hormone levels in the lobster. I use quantitative mass spectrometry to assess hormone protein concentrations in hemolymph (blood) samples. Lobsters have what is known as a semi-open circulatory system. They do have arteries, but they also have areas where blood is just delivered openly in the body cavity. Thus, there are two approaches to taking a blood sample… you can use a needle and syringe to penetrate the soft tissue and take blood from an open cavity (like the tail). Or you can take a sample directly from an artery. The first approach is definitely easier, but hormones are released from a secretory organ attached to the heart so I want to make sure levels are consistent between the release point and typical area to do blood sampling. So I faced the challenge of needing to take samples directly from the main artery exiting the heart (the opthalmic artery). The obvious problem is lobsters have hard shells protecting this area. The upside is that lobsters are incredibly resilient!

So the solution: open heart surgery!

I took off a small piece of the lobster shell with a drill, and then I used micro-dissecting scissors to cut off the epidermis.

Strange Organ Inside a Lobster!! – LOBSTER Dissection

What does a lobster’s blood look like?

A lobster’s blood is usually greyish/clear in color. It is circulated by a heart located just behind the stomach, through a few large blood vessels. It picks up oxygen from the water through the gills, found in the lobsters’ thorax section. Body Parts Courtesy of: LobsterAnywhere.com Here are the basic parts of a lobster and their function:

How does a lobster circulate blood?

Circulation A lobster’s blood is usually greyish/clear in color. It is circulated by a heart located just behind the stomach, through a few large blood vessels. It picks up oxygen from the water through the gills, found in the lobsters’ thorax section.

How fast does a lobster heart beat?

The heart of an adult lobster beats at a rate of 50-136 beats per minute. The ovaries of the female lobster are located in the cephalothorax, extend through the abdomen, and are similar to the form of an “H”. The cross-bar is found at the forward margin of the heart, just behind the pyloric stomach (A).

Is lobster good for Your Heart?

Compared with other meats, fish is a greatsource of omega-3 fats, vitamin D, and protein. Fish is also low in saturated fats and is good for your heart. Lobster is no exception. It gets a bad reputation for raising cholesterol levels, but that is a misconception. Lobster is a major source of important vitamins and minerals.