The Structure of a Nephron

Nephrons are microscopic tubular structures in the kidneys that philtre waste products from the blood to form urine.
Each kidney contains over a million nephrons that work collectively to remove toxic substances from the blood.
A nephron consists of two main parts: a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.
The renal corpuscle, located in the renal cortex of the kidney, is composed of the glomerulus, a bundle of capillaries, nested inside Bowman’s capsule.
Blood under high pressure is forced into the renal corpuscle where waste products, salt, glucose, and water are filtered from the blood in a process called ultrafiltration.
The renal tubule is a long, coiled tube where filtered fluids pass through. It has distinct sections — the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, and the distal convoluted tubule.
The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is where most of the reabsorption occurs, including all the glucose and amino acids, and a large amount of water.
The loop of Henle serves to create a concentration gradient in the medulla of the kidney. This helps in the reabsorption of water from the urine.
The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) assists in the regulation of potassium, sodium, calcium, and pH levels in the body.
The waste product from this process, now called urine, passes through the collecting duct where more water reabsorption can take place depending on the body’s hydration levels.
Nephrons play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body (homeostasis) by adjusting the reabsorption of water and electrolytes.