Malpighian tubule

The Malpighian tubules take their name from their discoverer, Marcello Malpighi, and are organs in the insect excretory apparatus.

Description and function of the Malpighian tubules.

These tubules are evaginations of the gastro-intestinal tract located between the middle and posterior intestine and actively absorb ions from the hemolymph and filter nitrogen containing waste. Water follows the solutes by osmosis. This water is then reabsorbed very effectively by the rectum.

The Malpighian tubules are therefore essential for the excretory and osmoregulatory functions. They are also an adaptation to dry environments.