Explanation of structure of nephron biology …

Structure of Nephron :-

Nephron is the filtration unit of kidney. It consists of a tubule which is connected with collecting duct at one end and a cup – shaped structure at the other end.

This cup-shaped structure is called ‘Bowman’s capsule’. Every Bowman’s capsule contains a cluster of capillaries, called ‘Glomerulus’, within the cup – shaped structure. The blood enters into Glomerulus through arteriole of renal artery.

Functioning of Nephron :-

1. Filtration: Filtration of blood takes place in Bowman’s capsule from the capillaries of glomerulus. The filtrate passes into the tubular part of the nephron. This filtrate contains glucose, amino acids, urea, uric acid, salts and a major amount of water.

2. Re-absorption: As the filtrate flows along the tubule useful substances such as glucose, amino acids, salts and water are selectively re-absorbed into the blood by capillaries surrounding the nephron tubule.

The amount of water re-absorbed depends on the need of the body.

3. Urine: The filtrate which remains after re-absorption is called urine. Urine contains dissolved nitrogenous waste, i.e. urea and uric acid, excess salts and water. Urine is collected from nephrons by the collecting duct to carry it to the ureter.

Structure of a Nephrons:

• Nephrons are the basic filtering units of kidneys.
• Each kidney possesses large number of nephrons, approximately 1-1.5 million.
• The main components of the nephron are glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule, and a long renal tubule.