Drosophila Internal Anatomy

The internal anatomy of the insect Drosophila Melanogaster bears a few similarities and many differences with mammal anatomy. While the mammalian circulatory system is closed, the circulatory system of Drosophila is open. This means that the blood is not confined to blood vessels, but rather it bathes the internal organs and tissues. Another interesting fact is that the blood of Drosophila does not contain red blood cells. This stands in contrast to mammals, which have hemogloben in their red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Instead of relying on the circulatory system for oxygen transport, Drosophila use a tracheal system. Air diffuses through small openings called spiracles, and enters a branch-like structure called the trachea which delivers oxygen to all of the cells.