Question

Briefly describe the structure of a nephron.

Answer 1

A nephron is composed of a renal corpuscle including Bowman's capsule and the glomerulus, a renal tubule for the passage and modification of filtered substances, and an associated capillary network originating from the cortical radiate arteries. It is the fundamental unit for filtering blood and forming urine in the kidneys.

Step-by-step explanation:

Structure of a Nephron

The nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney. It plays a crucial role in filtering the blood and maintaining the body's internal environment. The structure of a nephron consists of three main components:

1. 
   
3. Renal Corpuscle - This is the initial filtering component that includes the Bowman's capsule and the glomerulus, a network of capillaries where blood filtration begins.
4. 
   
6. Renal Tubule - The tubular structure through which filtered substances pass. Here, some substances are reabsorbed into the blood, and additional substances are secreted into the tubular fluid.
7. 
   
9. Associated Capillary Network - These capillaries originate from the cortical radiate arteries and are involved in the exchange of substances between the tubular fluid and the blood.

Each kidney contains over a million nephrons, with two main types: cortical nephrons, which are the majority and are found deep in the renal cortex, and juxtamedullary nephrons, which are closer to the renal medulla. These nephrons filter blood, reabsorb needed materials, secrete additional substances, and form urine which contains waste products like urea and uric acid, byproducts of metabolism.

Answer 2

Tiny tubes
Within the Bowman’s capsule of each nephron is a structure known as the glomerulus
Each glomerulus is supplied with blood by an afferent arteriole (which carries blood from the renal artery)
The capillaries of the glomerulus rejoin to form an efferent arteriole