Question

Draw a well labelled diagram of a nephron.

Answer 1

Nephron:

1. The nephron is the structural and functional unit of the kidney.
2. They are mainly located in the cortex and medulla of a kidney. It produces urine and aids in the removal of toxic substances and waste from the body.

Structure of a nephron

The structure mainly consists of a tubule that has a cup-like structure on one end and a collecting duct at the other end.

• Malpighian Body: The malpighian body has two parts: Glomerulus and Bowman's capsule
• Glomerulus: It consists of a network of capillaries. This is the main filtering unit of a kidney.
• Bowman's Capsule: It surrounds the glomerulus and is a double-walled structure that aids in the filtration of blood from the glomerulus.
• Afferent Arteriole: It is a branch of the renal artery which carries blood to the glomerulus.
• Efferent Arteriole: This Artery takes the blood away from the glomerulus.
• Proximal Convoluted tubule: This tubule is mainly associated with reabsorption. It reabsorbs sugar, sodium, chloride ions, and water.
• Loop of Henle: This is a long U-shaped portion of the tubule that conducts urine. It helps in recovering water and salt from the urine.
• Distal Convoluted Tubule: It mainly helps in regulating the extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance.
• Collecting Duct: It collects the urine that has formed and sends it to the renal pelvis and then to the ureters.