This can definitely be regarded as a very popular question among a lot of biology enthusiasts out there. As we all know, the octopuses can definitely be regarded as a very fascinating creature. Here, we will be discussing the answer to the question, "how many heart in octopus?", in detail. Upon hearing this popular question, the students might come up with several interesting guesses. Most of them would guess that this creature has one heart like all other animals. On the other hand, some might even come up with other weird guesses. They are definitely regarded as one of the world’s most alien creatures. This is mostly because of the immense physiological differences between them and the other creatures that we are most familiar with. Another essential aspect about them is that like the cockroaches and squid, their neurology is managed by multiple separate brains. In this case, we might find it extremely shocking that this strange octopod has nine of them. Hence, most of their skills of manipulation is simply because of the fact that these creatures are capable of using those brains to control eight distinct tentacles. In the same way, their circulatory system is also quite unique. Here, we will be discussing the function of their heart and the reason behind the presence of multiple hearts. Lastly, we will be looking at the number of hearts that this creature possesses.
Function of heart in octopus
Here, we will be looking at the function of the heart in the case of these creatures. This will help us to develop a clear understanding of the discussion, “how many heart in octopus?”. For those who don't know, they have a closed circulatory system and thus, in this circulatory system, the blood moves from various vessels and thereafter, finally returns to the heart. On the other hand, in the case of an open circulatory system, the body organs are always directly in contact with the blood as well as the body fluids. As we all know, this creature has multiple hearts and each one of them has a variety of nerves as well. A cluster of nerves is present near the systemic heart which is known as cardiac ganglion. It acts as a natural pacemaker and the systemic heart contracts to deliver blood to the body. But, this contraction occurs after the simultaneous contraction of the branchial hearts. Thereafter, two veins called lateral and anterior vena cava drains the blood in branchial hearts. On the other hand, the afferent branchial vessel of the gills drains blood in the ventricle of the systemic heart. After that, the cephalic artery transports the oxygenated blood from the systemic heart to the different parts of the body of the animal. Thus, this can definitely be regarded as a detailed overview regarding the function of the Octopus' heart as well as circulatory system.
Why do they need multiple hearts?
Now, we all know that there are many animals out there that survive well with just one heart. So, there might definitely be specific reasons for the presence of multiple hearts. Hence, the readers must be provided a clear idea regarding the need for multiple hearts before proceeding with the discussion, "how many heart in octopus?". The octopuses are considered as very active cephalopods, and it is advocated that the multiple hearts are very much important for maintaining their power. An essential thing that should be kept in mind is that while swimming, this animal does not use its systemic heart. As a result, it can tire quite easily. In addition to that, it creates water jets with its body mantle instead to power the propulsion and movement. Another essential feature of this creature is that it possesses blue coloured blood because of the presence of the copper-based, oxygen-carrying molecule called hemocyanin. This molecule is not that efficient and it doesn’t carry oxygen as well as the iron-based hemoglobin that is present in humans. Thus a lot of scientists claim that this might be the reason why octopuses need more than one heart to survive. In addition to that, the molecule hemocyanin doesn’t carry oxygen efficiently in acidic conditions. Hence, a lot of people are concerned that the climate change is gradually lowering the pH of the world’s oceans and hence, the changing environment might become a matter of concern for octopus anatomy in the near future.
Answering the question, "how many heart in octopus?"
So, we have already stated that this amazing creature has multiple hearts. Here, we will be providing a specific number to all the curious people out there. So, this intriguing creature has three hearts. This is applicable in case of their closest relatives, such as the squid and cuttlefish. Its largest heart is known as the systemic heart and it is located in the middle of this mollusk's body. The function of this systemic heart is to pump oxygenated blood around the body. It does not take the blood to the gills. This systemic heart is regarded as the largest as well as most muscular of the three hearts.The remaining two hearts are known as the branchial hearts. Each of these hearts is attached to one of the octopus's two gills. Because of this attachment, they are sometimes known as 'gill hearts'. The function of each of these hearts is to pump blood through the particular gill that it is attached to. Here, you should keep in mind that these hearts are relatively small and they are not strong. Their gills help them to draw in vital oxygen from the water, and the branchial hearts help in pumping oxygen-poor blood through the gills. But at the same time, the oxygen-rich blood that emerges from the gills comes out at a relatively lower pressure and hence, they have another heart after the gills to pressurize the blood again so that it can be transported to all parts of the body efficiently.
Conclusion
Here, we have discussed the answer to the question, "how many heart in octopus?", in detail. To begin with, we have provided a detailed overview regarding the function of this organ in octopuses. After that, we have looked at the reason behind the presence of these multiple hearts and the total number of hearts that they possess.
