Question

Fill in the blank: In Gila monsters, the organ in which water from urine is reabsorbed into the bloodstream is the _________.

Short answer

In Gila monsters, the organ in which water from urine is reabsorbed into the bloodstream is the kidney.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the animal and keyword

In this exercise, we are dealing with Gila monsters, a type of reptile, and the keyword is the organ responsible for reabsorbing water from urine back into the bloodstream.

Research on the reptiles' excretory system

To find the answer, we need to look into the excretory system of reptiles, specifically the Gila monster, and find out which organ helps in water reabsorption. Research shows that the organ in reptiles responsible for water reabsorption from urine is the same as that in mammals.

Identify the organ

In mammals and reptiles, the organ responsible for water reabsorption from urine is the kidney, specifically, the nephrons within the kidney.

Fill in the blank

Now that we have identified the organ responsible for water reabsorption, we can fill in the blank: In Gila monsters, the organ in which water from urine is reabsorbed into the bloodstream is the kidney.

Key concepts

Gila monsters

Gila monsters are a unique type of reptile that belong to the Helodermatidae family. These fascinating creatures are known for their striking appearance and have distinct, bead-like skin. They are found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.
Gila monsters are one of the few venomous lizards in the world. However, they are generally slow-moving and pose little threat to humans. Their diet mainly consists of bird and reptile eggs, small mammals, and occasionally other lizards.
As an adaptation to the arid environments they inhabit, Gila monsters have developed an efficient excretory system that conserves water, essential for their survival. Their ability to reabsorb water from urine before excretion helps them maintain hydration, especially in their desert habitats.

Water reabsorption

Water reabsorption is a crucial process in the excretory systems of many animals, including reptiles like the Gila monster. This process ensures that valuable water is conserved within the body and not lost in urine.
In the kidneys, after initial filtration of the blood, water is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. This selective reabsorption is vital for maintaining the body’s fluid balance and is particularly important for creatures living in environments where water is scarce.

• Helps in retaining necessary fluids.
• Prevents dehydration.
• Regulates blood pressure and volume.

In reptiles, water reabsorption happens efficiently within the nephrons, ensuring that they can survive in challenging environments with limited access to water.

Reptilian kidneys

Reptilian kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by filtering blood, removing waste, and reabsorbing water. Unlike mammalian kidneys, reptilian kidneys are structured to prioritize water conservation, reflecting the environments many reptiles inhabit.
The primary function of reptilian kidneys is similar to that of other vertebrates, where they remove metabolic waste and regulate the chemical composition of the blood. However, the emphasis on conserving water makes their function unique among animals.
Adaptations include:

• Longer loops of Henle for enhanced water reabsorption.
• Ability to produce highly concentrated urine.

These adaptations help reptiles like Gila monsters thrive in deserts and other dry areas.

Nephrons in reptiles

Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney and are essential for the process of water reabsorption. In reptiles, including Gila monsters, nephrons are adapted to ensure maximum conservation of water.
The structure of a nephron comprises several components: the glomerulus, tubule, and loop of Henle. These work together to filter blood, reabsorb necessary substances, and excrete waste products.

• Glomerulus: Filters blood plasma.
• Proximal tubule: Reabsorbs nutrients, ions, and water.
• Loop of Henle: Crucial for concentrating urine and reabsorbing water.

The unique design of reptilian nephrons allows these creatures to adapt to various habitats by conserving water efficiently, maintaining electrolyte balance, and thus ensuring their survival in arid conditions.