How Many Cockroach Have Hearts?

The cockroach heart is a complex structure of thirteen chambers. This multi-chambered heart is much more effective at pumping blood than the heart of a human. In addition, the cockroach heart is much more resilient to failure than a human heart. This multi-chambered structure also allows for optimal output pressure.

The heart of a cockroach has two mechanical movements: the systolic phase (closing), and the diastolic phase (opening). During the systolic phase, the heart walls contract, closing the luminal space and closing the heart tube. In the diastolic phase, the heart walls relax and open the heart tube. Scientists have studied the mechanics of a cockroach heart using video recordings and two-dimensional movement analysis.

A cockroach’s heart has a slit-like opening in the middle, similar to the heart in humans. This slit-like opening allows oxygenated blood to enter each chamber. The first chamber is connected to the head sinuses and aorta.

There are many different models of the cockroach heart. Some models have the semi-isolated dorsal vessel, which is much bigger and seems to be stable over time. Other models are more flexible, but both have an insignificant heart and a regenerating heart. Some cockroaches are more similar than others.