The nephron flashcards

What are the two types of nephron and their main characteristics?

(1) Cortical nephrons have a short loop of Henle and make up 80-85% of nephrons. (2) Juxtamedullary nephrons have a long loop of Henle that extends into the medulla and are responsible for the medullary osmotic gradient.

What is the function of the renal corpuscle?

The renal corpuscle filters blood, primarily through the glomerulus where about 20% of plasma leaks into Bowman's space.

What are the two layers of Bowman's capsule?

The Bowman's capsule consists of a parietal layer (outer) and a visceral layer (inner).

Describe the structure and function of the glomerular capillary.

Glomerular capillaries have fenestrated endothelium with 70-100nm pores, a glomerular basement membrane, and podocytes that form the filtration slit diaphragm for filtration.

What is the main role of the proximal convoluted tubule?

The proximal convoluted tubule reabsorbs 70% of water and sodium and 100% of glucose using microvilli for increased surface area.

How does the Loop of Henle differ in its epithelial structure?

The descending limb has similar epithelium to the PCT, the thin ascending limb is lined by simple squamous epithelium, while the thick ascending limb has cuboidal epithelium.

What defines the distal convoluted tubule?

The distal convoluted tubule is lined by simple cuboidal epithelium without a brush border and contains tight junctions with a high proportion of mitochondria.

Describe the collecting duct's structure and behavior in the nephron.

The collecting duct is lined by simple cuboidal epithelium and merges to become larger as it descends through the medulla.

What is the function of the juxtaglomerular apparatus?

The juxtaglomerular apparatus regulates blood pressure and the filtration rate of the glomerulus.

What are the roles of the macula densa and juxtaglomerular cells?

Macula densa detects sodium ion concentration and regulates it, while juxtaglomerular cells secrete renin to regulate blood pressure.