branchial heart

anatomy

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A branchial heart is a muscular enlargement of a vein in cephalopods that pumps blood into the gills. This structure is part of the circulatory system, which is responsible for moving blood throughout an animal's body. In fishes, the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the gills, where it becomes oxygenated before being redistributed to the rest of the body. The heart itself is a muscular pump that receives blood and returns it to circulation, often under higher pressure. Valves within the heart prevent backflow, ensuring unidirectional blood movement.123

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circulatory system
Hearts
…have special muscular dilations, the branchial hearts, that pump blood through the capillaries, and insects may have additional ampullar hearts at the points of attachment of many of their appendages.
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…have special muscular dilations, the branchial hearts, that pump blood through the capillaries, and insects may have additional ampullar hearts at the points of attachment of many of their appendages.
Read More