Proboscis gland in Balanoglossus is associated with

Options

A. (a) digestion
B. (b) respiration
C. (c) circulation
D. (d) excretion

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Structure**: The question asks about the proboscis gland in Balanoglossus. First, we need to understand what Balanoglossus is and where the proboscis gland is located. Balanoglossus is a genus of acorn worms, which are marine invertebrates.

2. **Locate the Proboscis**: The proboscis is the anterior part of Balanoglossus. It is an elongated structure that plays a crucial role in the organism's feeding and other physiological functions.

3. **Understand the Components**: Within the proboscis, there is a structure called the glomerulus. The glomerulus is an evagination of the coelom and is filled with blood. It is surrounded by nephrocytes, which are specialized cells involved in excretion.

4. **Function of the Proboscis Gland**: The combination of the glomerulus, nephrocytes, and other tissues in the proboscis is primarily involved in the excretion process. This means that the proboscis gland helps in removing waste products from the body of Balanoglossus.

5. **Comparative Anatomy**: The term "glomerulus" is also used in vertebrates, indicating a similarity in structure and function. This reinforces the understanding that the proboscis gland in Balanoglossus serves a similar purpose as the glomerulus in vertebrates, which is also involved in excretion.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the above points, we can conclude that the proboscis gland in Balanoglossus is associated with the function of excretion.

**Final Answer**: The proboscis gland in Balanoglossus is associated with excretion.

---