25
•
Nephron Loop (Loop of Henle)
–
The PCT makes an acute bend that turns the renal tubule toward the
renal medulla.
–
This turn leads to the nephron loop (loop of Henle)
–
Divisions
•
Descending limb
–
Thick segment – cuboidal epithelium
–
Thin segment – squamous epithelium
•
Ascending limb
–
Thick segment - cuboidal epithelium
–
Thin segments - squamous epithelium
26
27
28
–
Collecting Duct:
•
Individual nephrons drain into a nearby collecting duct.
•
Here the filtrate volume and concentration can be modified.
•
Several collecting ducts converge into a larger papillary duct, which
empties into a minor calyx.
•
Functions
–
Transport tubular fluid to the renal pelvis
–
Adjusts tubular fluid’s composition
–
Determines final osmotic concentration and volume of urine.
29
–
Types of Nephrons
•
Cortical Nephron
–
Makes up 85% of the nephrons
–
They are located almost entirely within the renal cortex except
for a small part (nephron loop) that dips into the renal
medulla.
•
Juxtamedullary Nephron
–
Glomerulus is located deep in the cortex of the kidney
–
Just next to the medulla
–
The loop of Henle is long and goes deep into the renal
medulla.
–
They play an important role in concentrating urine.
30
–
Basic Functions of the Nephron
•
To maintain homeostasis by regulating the volume and
composition of blood.
•
This involves the excretion of solutes – specifically metabolic waste
products
.
31
–
Function of the Nephron
•
