Final answer:
The nephron's function in adjusting electrolyte and acid-base balance includes filtering blood, reabsorbing and secreting ions to maintain pH levels, and interacting with regulatory hormones to fine-tune these processes. It ensures the stability of blood pH and fluid volumes, contributing to overall homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the nephron in adjusting electrolyte and acid-base balance involves several critical processes. Firstly, the nephron filters the blood to form a filtrate that contains waste substances and excess ions. Throughout the different segments of the nephron, which include the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and the collecting duct, electrolytes are either reabsorbed into the bloodstream or secreted into the filtrate. The reabsorption or secretion of ions like sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate is critical for maintaining the pH of the blood between 7.35 and 7.45 and for controlling both the volume of extracellular fluids and blood pressure.
The kidneys specifically maintain acid-base balance by secreting hydrogen ions (H+) into the filtrate, and reabsorbing bicarbonate (HCO3-) from the filtrate. When the blood pH is too low (acidic), the kidneys secrete less bicarbonate, and when the blood pH is too high (alkaline), they secrete more bicarbonate. Moreover, buffering systems, particularly the bicarbonate buffer system, play significant roles in stabilizing pH levels. The nephron also interacts with other regulatory hormones such as aldosterone, angiotensin II, PTH (Parathyroid Hormone), calcitriol, and calcitonin, which fine-tune the reabsorption and secretion processes.