Compare the functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys with respect to their structure and functioning.

S.No.

Alveoli

Nephron

1.

Alveoli have thin walled balloon like structure. Surface is fine and delicate.

Nephron have thin walled cup shaped structure attached with thin walled tubule.

2.

Alveoli are supplied with extensive network of thin walled blood vessels i.e., capillaries for exchange of gases.

Bowman’s capsule is supplied with a cluster of capillaries, called glomerulus for filtration A network of blood vessels around the tubular part of nephron for reabsorption of useful substances and water.

3.

Alveoli increase surface area for diffusion of CO₂ from blood to air and O₂ from air to blood.

Nephrons also increase surface area for filtration of blood and reabsorption of useful substances and water from, filtrate leaving behind urine.

4.

Alveoli only provide surface for exchange of gases in the lungs.

Tubular part of nephron also carries the urine to collecting duct.

5.

Alveoli are very small and a large number of them are present in each lung.

A large number of nephron, basic filtration unit, are present in each kidney.