Question

Draw and explain the structure of nephrons. Explain function of nephron.

Answer 1

Nephron is the basic functional unit of the kidney. It helps in the regulation of water and minerals in the blood. It helps in the filtration of blood and separates the waste materials present and excrete out in the form of urine. The kidney usually consists of millions of nephrons present in it.

Complete answer:

The nephrons are present in the renal cortex of the kidney. The majority of the nephrons present are cortical nephrons. The juxtamedullary nephrons lie in the renal cortex and are close to the medulla region of the kidney. Nephron can be divided into the renal corpuscle, renal tubule, and capillary network. The renal corpuscle is located in the renal cortex. It consists of the Bowman's capsule which has a network of capillaries present in it known as the glomerulus. The renal tubule part is the long, loop-like structure that emerges from the Bowman's capsule. It can be divided into the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, and the distal convoluted tubule. Through this loop majority of filtration occurs and the blood is purified. The waste generated from the filtration gets collected in the tubule and is then sent to the medullary pyramids. From where it is sent to the collecting duct. The function of the nephron is to filter the blood and to infuse minerals and water into it. The osmoregulation is maintained in the loop of Henle.

Note:

The afferent arteriole brings the blood from the body which needs to be filtered and the filtered blood is then sent back to the body via efferent arterioles. Urine from the collecting duct is taken and then collected in the bladder and is released via the ureter.