Nephron system and its functions

Nephron system

Nephrons

Functional filtration units located within the kidneys

Glomerulus

Capillary network performing ultrafiltration under pressure, contains filtrate

Bowmans capsule

Catches initial filtrate from glomerulus

Proximal convoluted tubule

Site where regulation of electrolyte balance in urine happens

Descending Loop of Henle

Impermeable to salt

Ascending Loop of Henle

Permeable to salt, impermeable to water

Distal convoluted tubule

Where glucose is recovered in the nephron

Collecting tubule

Last point of concentrating urine

Ureters

Tubes transporting urine from kidneys to bladder

Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)

Influences the amount of water in urine

What is the main function of the nephron? (hint: there are three jobs it does)

1. Filters blood

2. Helps form urine by removing wastes

3. Controls water and salt levels

What is the function of the glomerulus? (hints: 4 jobs, with the last one summarising its main job, and it starts with u)

1. Filters blood

2. Allows water and smaller substances to pass into the nephron

3. Keeps blood cells and large proteins in the bloodstream

4. Ultrafiltration

What is the solution containing water, urea, and other nitrogenous waste in the glomerulus called? (hint: starts with F)

Filtrate

What is the function of Bowman’s capsule?

Collects the fluid (filtrate) that has been filtered from the glomerulus

What is the function of the proximal convoluted tubule? (hint: last few words sum up its job, and there are 4 useful substances it mainly)

Reabsorbs useful substances, such as:

1. glucose

2. amino acids

3. salts

4. water

It is where electrolyte balance happens.

What is the function of the Loop of Henle overall?

It helps the kidney conserve water and concentrate urine by controlling the movement of water and salts

What is the function of the distal convoluted tubule? (hint: there are only two jobs)

1. Adjusts the levels of salts and ions in the filtrate

2. Helps regulate the body’s pH

What is the function of the collecting duct?

1. Collects urine from several other nephrons

2. Controls how much water is reabsorbed before urine leaves the kidney

Where does the afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole conjoin? (hint: it starts with g and it has a network of…)

Glomerulus; specifically its capillaries

Where is the peritubular capillaries located and where does it end? (hint: intertwines with what?)

It is intertwined around the nephron, but ends at the distal convoluted tubule.

What is the function of the Afferent arteriole?

It carries blood INTO the glomerulus

What is the function of the Efferent arteriole?

1. It carries blood AWAY from the glomerulus

2. supplies the capillaries around the nephron

What happens to glucose in a healthy nephron? And where?

Almost all of the filtered glucose is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule?

Why is water rebsorbed in the nephron?

To prevent excessive water loss and maintain the body’s balance