Question

Describe the structure and function of nephrons.

Answer 1

Nephrons:

1. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney.
2. It is composed of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule.

Structure of nephrons:

1. Nephrons are basic filtering units of kidneys.
2. Each kidney possesses a large number of nephrons (approx. 1-1.5 million).
3. The components of the nephron:
   • Glomerulus,
   • Bowman's capsule
   • Long renal tubule.

Functions of nephron:

1. The blood enters the kidney through the renal artery (which branches into capillaries associated with the glomerulus).
2. Water and solute are transferred to Bowman's capsule.
3. In the proximal convoluted tubule, glucose and salts are selectively reabsorbed.
4. Now filtrate moves down into the loop of Henle.
5. And then move upward to the distal convoluted tubule and finally into the collecting duct.