Describe the Structure and Functioning of Nephrons

Q. Describe the structure and functioning of nephrons

• The nephron is the microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney. They are also known as the filtering units of the kidney
• Each kidney has almost 1 to 1.5 million of nephrons in them
• As the urine passes through the tube for excretion, several substances in the initial filtrate namely glucose, amino acids, salts, and some amounts of water are reabsorbed
• The main components of nephrons include Bowman’s capsule, glomerulus, and a long renal tube
• The Bowman’s capsule is a cup-shaped structure present at the upper end of a nephron. A tubule is present at the lower end of the nephron
• The Bowman’s capsule and the collecting duct get attached to the tubule on either side
• Bowman’s capsule has numerous blood capillaries known as the glomerulus
• There are several functions of nephrons. The points listed below explain the functions of the same in detail
• The blood in our body enters the kidney for purification and from there it branches into many thin and fine capillaries known as the glomeruli
• The water and solute from our body are passed on to the nephrons in the Bowman’s capsule
• Certain substances and chemicals such as glucose, amino acids, salts, and water are reabsorbed in the proximal tubule, while undesired molecules are added to the urine
• On the next stage, the filtrate passes to the Henle loop where more water is absorbed. This filtrate is allowed to pass upwards through the distal tubule
• Multiple nephrons excrete their urine in the collecting duct
• The urine from each kidney travels through the long tube called the ureter, then to the urinary bladder and urethra, and then finally excreted out