Work in the last decade has shown that crustacean open circulatory systems are highly efficient and controlled in a complex manner. Control occurs at several levels. Myocardial contraction is initiated in the cardiac ganglion but constantly modulated by the central nervous system, both directly via the cardioregulatory nerves and indirectly via the neurohormonal system. Heart rate and stroke volume can be controlled independently and measurements of both are needed to assess cardiac output accurately. Haemolymph outflow from many arthropod hearts is via a complex multiarterial distribution system, and the regional distribution of cardiac output is tightly controlled via cardioarterial valves at the base of each artery. These valves contain innervated muscle, and differential contraction serves to regulate the efflux of oxygenated haemolymph into a particular system. The major influence on both the evolution and control of arthropod open blood vascular systems is efficiency of oxygen uptake and delivery. This influence is illustrated by reference to a variety of crustacean and other arthropod types.
Recognising our community as we approach JEB's centenary
In this Editorial, Craig Franklin, Michaela Handel and Kathryn Knight reflect on recent developments at JEB and acknowledge the support of the community during what has been a particularly challenging year. Looking forward, they discuss the journal’s centenary celebrations in 2023.
Our Transformative Journals have exceeded their OA growth targets
In the field: an interview with Roger Hanlon
Roger Hanlon talks about his fieldwork experiences diving all over the planet to understand cephalopod camouflage and communication.
How climbing parrots achieve pitch stability while ascending
Climbing parrots push and pull with their feet on ladder rungs and push with their tails to prevent themselves from toppling backward as they ascend.
Towards understanding the neural origins of hibernation
Madeleine Junkins, Sviatoslav Bagriantsev and Elena Gracheva review the role of the nervous system in hibernation, arguing that it actively promotes and supports the hibernation process rather than simply enduring it.
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