Renal Anatomy 2: The Nephron Flashcards
This is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney and is responsible for urine formation.
Nephron
What are the 2 types of nephrons?
Cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons
These nephrons make up most of the nephrons and lie mainly in the cortex.
Cortical nephrons
These nephrons extend deep into the medulla. It is important for the formation of concentrated urine.
Juxtamedullary nephrons
Each nephron is comprised of what 3 structures?
Glomerular capsule, renal tubules (PCT and DCT) and collecting duct
Each nephron is associated with what 2 structures?
Glomerulus and peritubular capillaries
These are specialised for filtration. It is fed and drained by arterioles. Blood pressure is also tightly regulated here.
Glomerular capillaries
These are specialised for absorption and reabsorption. It receives filtered blood from the glomerular capillaries (via efferent arterioles) and reabsorbed filtrate from the nephron.
Peritubular capillaries
These are extensions that follow the nephron loops deep into the medulla. Thee are only found in juxtamedullary nephrons.
Vasa recta
This is the term for when a glomerulus is enclosed by a glomerular capsule. It is the site of filtration barrier.
Renal corpuscle
Where is the site of the filtration barrier?
Renal corpuscle - where nephron and capillary meet
This is the first part of a nephron and is responsible for receiving filtrate.
Capsular space
What are the 2 layers of epithelia in the glomerular capsule?
Inner visceral layer of podocytes
Outer parietal layer of simple squamous epithelium
This is the specific place in the glomerular capsule that receives the filtrate.
Capsular space
These are specialised epithelia that surround the glomerular capillaries.
Additional question:
Its branches form intertwining foot processes known as _________.
Podocytes; pedicels