The heart of a shrimp is located inside the cephalothorax, the fused head and thorax region, tucked beneath the carapace just behind the eyes, a placement that differs from vertebrate body plans and reflects crustacean anatomy and protective exoskeleton structures.
Location of the heart
In shrimp and many other decapod crustaceans the dorsal heart lies within the cephalothorax, positioned above the digestive organs and just posterior to the brain and eye stalks, so casual observers often describe the heart as being \"in the head\" because it sits under the head shield rather than in the tail or abdomen.
Structure and protection
The heart is a muscular, chambered dorsal vessel that pumps haemolymph through an open circulatory system; it is protected by the rigid carapace of the cephalothorax and surrounded by other vital organs, which helps shield it from external injury while allowing attachments for muscles and valves that regulate flow.
Function
Unlike vertebrate closed circulatory systems, shrimp haemolymph is pumped into sinuses and body cavities where it bathes tissues directly, delivering nutrients and removing wastes; the cephalothoracic position of the heart efficiently serves the animal’s head‑first orientation and feeding apparatus.
Quick related facts
- Body region: cephalothorax (fused head and thorax).
- Relative position: dorsal, just behind the eyes; above the digestive tract. - Circulation: open circulatory system using haemolymph.
- Protection: shielded beneath the carapace and surrounded by other organs.