Mention briefly the circulatory system of earthworms.
Pheretima exhibits a closed type of blood vascular system, consisting of blood vessels capillaries, and heart. Due to the closed circulatory system, blood is confined to the heart and blood vessels. Contractions keep blood circulating in one direction. Smaller blood vessels supply the gut, nerve cord, and body wall. Blood glands are present on the 4th, 5th, and 6th segments. They produce blood cells and hemoglobin which is dissolved in blood plasma. Blood cells are phagocytic in nature. Earthworms lack specialized breathing devices. Respiratory exchange occurs through moist body surfaces into their bloodstream.
