Question

What is a uriniferous tubule and how does it function?

Answer 1

Uriniferous tubule:

1. The uriniferous tubule is also known as nephrons or kidney tubules.
2. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney.
3. Both a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule make up each nephron.
4. The glomerulus and the bowman's capsule are the two components of a renal corpuscle.

Functions of uriniferous tubule:

1. It receives contaminated blood from the renal artery, which it absorbs and excretes as urine.
2. The uriniferous tubule offers more surface area for salt and water absorption.
3. The function of the uriniferous tubule is controlled by different hormones such as aldosterone, antidiuretic, and parathyroid.
4. There are different parts of nephrons meant for different functions.

Bowman's capsule:

1. It is a double-walled epithelial cup that encloses the glomerulus.
2. It takes part in the glomerular capillaries' blood-filtering process.

Renal tubule:

It comprises a proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule.

Proximal tubule:

1. In the proximal tubule of the nephron water and salt, reabsorption occurs.
2. It is the first part of the nephron.

Loop of Henle:

1. The loop of Henle is a U-shaped structure consisting of ascending and descending limbs.
2. The descending limb receives fluid from the proximal tubule and reabsorbs water.
3. This part is impermeable to solutes and ions.
4. In the descending limb, sodium is filtered, and the concentration of solute is more.
5. The ascending limb is impermeable to water.
6. The reabsorption of water and solutes occur by the influence of the antidiuretic hormone.

Distal tubule:

1. The remaining water and salts from the Loop of Henle enter the distal tube.
2. It is the site for selective reabsorption of sodium and water.

Collecting duct:

It transfers urine into the renal pelvis and ureters after collecting it from the nephrons.