Can Ants Have Heart Attacks?
WouterUnlike human beings, insects do not have hearts. In fact, insects do not even have veins and arteries. This means they cannot get heart disease.
However, some insects do have their own form of blood. They call this hemolymph. It is similar to human blood in terms of composition. It contains a higher concentration of proteins, amino acids, sugars, and inorganic ions. However, it does not carry oxygen.
Blood is also essential to transport oxygen to the heart. However, insects don’t have veins or arteries where fats can build up. If oxygenated blood reaches the heart muscle, it can cause damage.
The main part of the ant’s circulatory system is the dorsal vessel. This is a type of tubular structure with two chambers, one on the dorsal side of the ant and one on the head side. Each chamber is separated by valves to ensure unidirectional hemolymph flow.
There is also a dorsal aorta. This is a long tube extending from the dorsal side of the ants to the head. It pumps a modest current.
The abdomen is the final segment of the ant’s body. The anus is the insect’s “gut” and is similar to the intestines in humans. The anus has a crop to hold food for a short time. It also removes moisture from the urea.
Ants also have spiracles, which are tiny holes that allow them to breathe in oxygen. They also have antennae that allow them to detect enemies. They also have a sense of hearing and smell. They can follow trails and find food. They can also recognize their own colony.
