Question

A malpighian corpuscle is (a) Another name for nephron (b) An excretory structure of insects (c) Combined name for glomerulus and Bowman's capsule (d) None of the above

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) Combined name for glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Subject

The subject in question is a malpighian corpuscle, which is related to biological structural components of an organism's anatomy.

Analyze the Options

Carefully review each of the options given. (a) Another name for nephron, (b) An excretory structure of insects, (c) Combined name for glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, (d) None of the above. Each answer provides a very different characterization of the term, making this a challenging exercise.

Choose the Correct Option

After analyzing the options, select the one that correctly identifies the malpighian corpuscle. The malpighian corpuscle is the combined name for glomerulus and Bowman's capsule.

Key concepts

Glomerulus

The glomerulus is a crucial structure within the kidney's filtering unit. It is a network of capillaries, tiny blood vessels, that acts as the main filtration point. The primary role of the glomerulus is to filter blood to form urine. It allows water and small molecules to pass through while retaining larger molecules like proteins and blood cells. This selective filtration is vital to maintain the body's fluid and chemical balance.

• Filtration barriers in the glomerulus prevent large molecules from passing through.
• Blood pressure in the glomerular capillaries facilitates the filtration process.
• Works closely with Bowman's capsule to form part of the renal corpuscle.

The glomerulus is an essential component of the excretory system, ensuring waste products are efficiently removed from the blood.

Bowman's Capsule

Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus like a cup, forming an enclosure that collects the filtered fluids from the blood. This structure is essential in the nephron's function as a filtration unit in the kidneys. The capsule catches what the glomerulus filters and begins the initial process of urine formation.

• The inner layer of Bowman's capsule has specialized cells called podocytes.
• Acts as the first stop for fluid and small particles after glomerular filtration.
• Further processes filtered substances, starting their journey through the nephron.

Overall, Bowman's capsule works in conjunction with the glomerulus to form the renal corpuscle, a primary structure in the filtration of blood in the kidneys.

Nephron

The nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains over a million nephrons within its tissues. Responsible for various crucial roles, the nephron operates as the site where blood is filtered and urine is formed. A nephron comprises several parts, including the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, which are collectively known as the Malpighian corpuscle.

• Includes segments like proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule.
• Involved in filtration, reabsorption, and secretion processes.
• Regulates water, salts, and waste products in the blood.

The nephron's activities result in the production of urine that the body eventually eliminates, playing a vital role in the excretory system.

Excretory System

The excretory system is the body's mechanism for expelling waste and maintaining internal balance. It includes multiple organs, but the kidneys are the most prominent for dealing with liquid waste. Malpighian corpuscles, consisting of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, are key components in the kidneys' ability to filter blood and form urine.

• Primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
• Includes structures such as the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
• Assists in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

This system ensures waste products are efficiently removed and excreted, highlighting the significance of the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, and nephron in maintaining overall health.