Adaptations of the Nephron

1.       Bowman’s capsule wall is one cell thick: This provides a short distance for filtration, allowing small substances to pass easily from the glomerulus into Bowman’s capsule OR This makes the wall permeable, allowing ultrafiltration to occur efficiently.

2.       The glomerulus contains many capillaries: This provides a large surface area for ultrafiltration.

3.       The glomerulus capillaries are highly permeable: This allows water and small dissolved substances to pass through easily during ultrafiltration.

4.       The afferent arteriole is wider than the efferent arteriole: This creates high pressure in the glomerulus, forcing small molecules out of the blood during ultrafiltration.

5.       The proximal and distal convoluted tubule wall is one cell thick: This provides a short distance for reabsorption, allowing substances to move easily back into the blood.

6.       The cells of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules contain numerous mitochondria: Mitochondria produces ATP by respiration, providing energy for active transport during selective reabsorption.

7.       The proximal and distal convoluted tubules are long and winding/coiled: This increases the surface area available for reabsorption AND this slows the flow of filtrate, allowing more time for reabsorption.

8.       The cells of the proximal convoluted tubule have microvilli: This increases the surface area, allowing more efficient reabsorption.

9.       The Loop of Henle is long: This helps create a concentration gradient in the kidney medulla, allowing more water to be reabsorbed.