4 main parts of nephron are ⇒ Bowman’s capsule, Proximal (first) convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, and distal (second) convoluted tubule. Several Nephrons ⇒ open into a tube called collecting duct
- small independent processing unit
- located in renal cortex except for loops of Henle that descend into renal medulla
- has its own blood supply (arteriole, venule, network of capillaries)
| Structure | Elaboration |
|---|---|
| 1. Bowman’s Capsule | Each nephron begins in the outer region of the kidney as a cup-like structure called the Bowmans capsule |
| 2. Proximal (first) convoluted tubule | Proximal (first) convoluted tubule ⇒ which straightens out ⇒ as it passes into the inner region of the kidney Convoluted part of the tubule ⇒ is called the proximal (first) convoluted tubule |
| 3. Loop of Henle | Inner region of the kidney ⇒ the tubule extends further in and makes a U-turn back into the outer region ⇒ U-shaped portion ⇒ of the tubule is known as the loop of Henle |
| 4. Distal (second) convoluted tubule | When tubule ⇒ enters the inner region of the kidney again ⇒ it becomes convoluted again ⇒ this part of the tubule ⇒ is called the distal (second) convoluted tubule |
| 5. Collecting Duct | tubule ⇒ then opens into a collecting duct that runs straight through the inner region ⇒ eventually opens into a funnel like space that leads into the ureter |
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Blood Capillaries around the Nephron
Blood enters the kidney ⇒ through the renal artery ⇒ leaves kidney by renal vein
⇒ nephrons in the kidney are surrounded by blood vessels that are connected to the renal artery and renal vein
- Small branch of renal artery ⇒ called the different arterioles carries blood inside the glomerulus
- glomerulus is a knot of blood capillaries in the bowman’s capsule
- efferent arteriole ⇒ transports blood away from the glomerulus
- Blood continues ⇒ into the blood capillaries ⇒ surrounding the nephron. these blood capillaries eventually lead into a branch of the renal vein
How is Urine Formed
⇒ related to nephron as nephrons are vital in producing urine How is Urine Formed