Difference between Nephridia and Malpighian Tubules - Testbook.com

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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The elimination of metabolic waste from the body is known as excretion. However, the method and organ of excretion vary among different species of animals. For instance, humans use kidneys for excretion, insects utilize malpighian tubules, and worms use nephridia.

Below is a comparison table that outlines the differences between nephridia and malpighian tubules.

Nephridia

Nephridia (singular: nephridium) are the key components of the excretory system in invertebrates, functioning similarly to kidneys in vertebrates. They exist in pairs and can be divided into two types: protonephridia and metanephridia.

Protonephridia are present in simpler invertebrates such as planarians and tapeworms, whereas metanephridia can be found in more complex invertebrates like annelids.

Protonephridia are tubules with no internal openings. The terminal cells are either ciliated or flagellated, known as flame cells and solenocytes respectively. The tubules open into these cells, where the filtered urine is eventually excreted.

Metanephridia, on the other hand, lack flame cells and open directly into the body cavity. The tubules are ciliated to absorb nutrients, and finally, the urine is passed out of the body.


Malpighian Tubules

Malpighian tubules are the excretory organs found in insects. They are located in the abdominal body cavity and drain between the midgut and hindgut. They excrete waste in the form of uric acid. The tubules are branched throughout the alimentary canal and absorb ions, water, and solutes from the surrounding haemolymph.

Comparison of Nephridia and Malpighian Tubules

Nephridia

Malpighian Tubules

Description

The primary excretory organ in invertebrates.

The excretory organs prevalent in insects.

Form of excretion

Ammonia, urea, or uric acid

Uric acid or urine

Structure

Composed of flame cells and solenocytes.

Consists of tubules branched throughout the digestive tract.

Found in

Various types of worms

Insects and other arthropods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Protonephridia is found in primitive invertebrates such as flatworms and consists of flame cells. On the other hand, metanephridia are found in higher invertebrates, such as earthworms, and they lack flame cells.

Crustaceans and other sea animals have two excretory organs, the antennal gland and the maxillary gland.

The Malpighian tubules are found in the phylum Arthropoda.

The excretory system of Platyhelminthes is protonephridia.

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