The system through which the nitrogenous waste products produced in metabolism are removed from the body is called the excretory system. The excretory organs of the grasshopper are Malpighian ducts, urate cells, uricose glands, nephrocytes, etc.
Main excretory organ Malpighian tube: Malpighian tube is the main excretory organ of grasshopper. Italian scientist Marcello Malpighi discovered this tube. It is named after him. It is a yellow tube. At the junction of the mesenteron and the proctodeum there are 6-8 bundles of ducts. Each cluster contains 12-15 Malpighian ducts. That is, its number is 60-150. Each tube is 25 mm in length and 0.10-1.00 mm in diameter. These tubules are of the nephridial type (connected at one end and free at the other end). It is hollow, cylindrical and unbranched. The hollow space inside the tube is called the lumen. The lumen is lined by epithelial cells. Epithelial cells have a basement membrane on the outside and cilia or microvilli on the inside. The cilia together form the brush border. Brush borders remove urea and urate from the blood. The outer wall of the duct has a foundation screen.
Malpighian duct function
1. Hemolymph collects nitrogenous wastes.
2. Passes waste material to the intestines.
3. Plays a role in osmoregulation.