Compare the functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys with respect to their structure and functioning.
Solution:
|
Alveoli |
Nephrons |
|
Structure |
Structure |
|
(i) Alveoli are tiny balloon-like structures present inside the lungs. |
(i) Nephrons are tubular structures present inside the kidneys. |
|
(ii) The walls of the alveoli are one cell thick, and it contains an extensive network of blood capillaries. |
(ii) Nephrons are made of glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule, and a long renal tube. |
|
Function |
Function |
|
(i) The exchange of O2 and CO2 takes place between the blood of the capillaries that surround the alveoli and the gases present in the alveoli. |
(i) The blood enters the kidneys through the renal artery. The blood is entered here, and the nitrogenous waste in the form of urine is collected by the collecting duct. |
|
(ii) Alveoli are the site of gaseous exchange. |
(ii) Nephrons are the basic filtration unit. |