corpus cardiacum
Quick Summary
The corpus cardiacum is a pair of nervous tissue bodies found in many insects, located behind the brain. These bodies function in storing and releasing brain hormones.1
In insects, the corpus cardiacum, along with the corpus allatum, are neurohemal organs. They store neurohormones from the brain and also contain some endocrine cells. Extracts from the corpus cardiacum can stimulate heart rate and are thought to secrete a hormone that increases trehalose (insect blood sugar) levels. These hormones play a role in various insect physiological processes, including molting, reproduction, and metabolism.2
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endocrine systemClass InsectaThe paired corpora cardiaca (singular, corpus cardiacum) and the paired corpora allata (singular, corpus allatum) are both neurohemal organs that store brain neurohormones, but each has some endocrine cells as well. The ventral nerve cord and associated ganglia also contain neurosecretory cells and have their own neurohemal organs; i.e., the…
Read MoreThe paired corpora cardiaca (singular, corpus cardiacum) and the paired corpora allata (singular, corpus allatum) are both neurohemal organs that store brain neurohormones, but each has some endocrine cells as well. The ventral nerve cord and associated ganglia also contain neurosecretory cells and have their own neurohemal organs; i.e., the…
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nervous systemArthropodsA corpus cardiacum is an organ in which neurosecretory products are stored in the nerve terminals for later release into the vascular system.
Read MoreA corpus cardiacum is an organ in which neurosecretory products are stored in the nerve terminals for later release into the vascular system.
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