2.70 Nephron Structure

Notes


Process


Nephron = functional part of kidney (filtration/controlling composition of blood)

IN: Blood ---------- Renal artery (branch of aorta) --------> Nephron

OUT: Urine (excreted after filtration) <---- Ureter -------- Nephron

Urine collects in bladder for release
Filtered blood exits through renal vein ---> vena cava

Structure


-> Outer region = cortex {LIGHTER}
---> Inner region = medulla {DARKER}
--------> Inner space = pelvic region (where urine collects, drains down ureter)

**difference in colours = kidney is tubular structure made of tubes

Tube: starts on edge of medulla, moves outwards towards end of cortex, winds in cortex, dips down into medulla, back into cortex where winds again --> Dead end (Bowman's capsule)

Tubular structure (Nephron)

Twisted structure = convoluted tubules (tube)

Tube leading down to pelvic region (where urine is excreted) = Collecting ducts (tube)

Dip into medulla = loop of Henle

Dead end, cup shaped structure = Bowman's capsule

**tight knot of blood vessels (at Bowman's capsule) = glomerulus

* - - - u - - - /

1st convoluted tubule (- - -) = Proximal C.T. (PCT)

2nd convoluted tube (- - -) = Distal C.T (DCT)

---> Arrangement of nephron structure gives different colours of medulla & cortex

NOTE: millions of these structures (Nephrons) within a kidney.