








The corpora cardiaca are a pair of endocrine glands located behind the brain in insects. They are closely associated with the aorta and contain neurosecretory cells whose axons project from the brain. The corpora cardiaca serve as neurohemal organs that store and release several hormones into the haemolymph (blood) to control functions like heart rate and trehalose levels. They contain intrinsic secretory cells that produce the adipokinetic hormone and other peptides of unknown function. In some insect groups, the corpora cardiaca become separated from the aorta in later development.








