23/09 Lecture 29 - The Nephron

Cortical nephron

This type of nephron lies mainly in the cortex, with a shorter nephron loop

Juxtamedullary nephron

This type of nephron has a nephron loop that extends into the medulla, and is involved in the formulation of concentrated urine

Glomerular capillaries

These form the glomerulus, thin single walled layer of fenestrated capillaries specialised for filtration

Peritubular capillaries

These are capillaries specialised for absorption, receives filtered blood via efferent arterioles and reabsorbed filtrate from the nephron

Vasa recta

This is an extension of blood vessels that follows the nephron loop of juxtamedullary nephrons into the medulla 

Glomerular capsule

This encompasses the glomerulus, made of an outer layer of simple squamous cells

Podocyte

This is a specialised cell type that wraps around the glomerular capillaries

Pedicel

This is a foot-like projection on a podocyte