Nephrons a. Nephron structure (1) A nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. (2) It consists of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule. (a) The corpuscle consists of a glomerulus and a glomerular capsule. (b) Segments of the renal tubule include the proximal convoluted tubule, nephron loop (descending and ascending limbs), and distal convoluted tubule, which empties into a collecting duct. (3) The collecting duct (technically not part of a nephron) empties into the minor calyx of the renal pelvis. b. Blood supply of a nephron (1) The glomerular capillary receives blood from the afferent arteriole and passes it to the efferent arteriole. (2) The efferent arteriole gives rise to theperitubular capillary system, which surrounds the renal tubule. c. Juxtaglomerular apparatus (1) The juxtaglomerular apparatus is at the point of contact between the last portion of the ascending limb of the nephron loop and the afferent and efferent arterioles. (2) It consists of the macula densa and juxtaglomerular cells.
Nephrons
a. Nephron structure
(1) A nephron is the functional unit of the kidney.
(2) It consists of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.
(a) The corpuscle consists of a glomerulus and a glomerular capsule.
(b) Segments of the renal tubule include the proximal convoluted tubule, nephron loop (descending and ascending limbs), and distal convoluted tubule, which empties into a collecting duct.
(3) The collecting duct (technically not part of a nephron) empties into the minor calyx of the renal pelvis.
b. Blood supply of a nephron
(1) The glomerular capillary receives blood from the afferent arteriole and passes it to the efferent arteriole.
(2) The efferent arteriole gives rise to theperitubular capillary system, which
surrounds the renal tubule.
c. Juxtaglomerular apparatus
(1) The juxtaglomerular apparatus is at the point of contact between the last portion of the ascending limb of the nephron loop and the afferent and efferent arterioles.
(2) It consists of the macula densa and juxtaglomerular cells.
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