Nephron Structure & Function.
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Describe the structure and functional unit of nephron
The nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Each kidney contains millions of nephrons, and they are responsible for removing waste and excess fluid from the body.
The nephron has a complex structure and consists of several components, including:
Renal Corpuscle: The renal corpuscle is the initial part of the nephron and is composed of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. The glomerulus is a network of capillaries where blood is filtered, and Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtered fluid.
Proximal Tubule: The proximal tubule is the first part of the renal tubule that leads away from the Bowman's capsule. It is responsible for reabsorbing most of the filtered water, glucose, amino acids, and other solutes from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.
Loop of Henle: The loop of Henle is a U-shaped portion of the nephron that extends from the proximal tubule to the distal tubule. It has a descending and ascending limb, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the concentration gradient of solutes in the renal medulla.
Distal Tubule: The distal tubule is the part of the nephron that follows the loop of Henle and is responsible for further fine-tuning the composition of the filtrate by reabsorbing ions and secreting wastes.
Collecting Duct: The collecting duct is a structure that receives urine from several nephrons and carries it to the renal pelvis for elimination from the body. It is also responsible for reabsorbing water and maintaining the body's water balance.
Overall, the nephron's primary function is to filter blood, remove waste and excess fluid from the body, and maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.