Organ
Nephron
A filtering corpuscle connected to a selective tubule
High-yield
Juxtamedullary nephrons have long loops and associated vasa recta that are central to concentrating urine. They work with collecting ducts and the wider medullary circulation.
Overview
Each nephron combines glomerular filtration with tubular recovery and secretion. Its corpuscle and convoluted portions lie in the cortex, while its loop extends to a variable medullary depth. Nephron number varies widely; about a million per kidney is a useful average, not a fixed count.
Reference facts
- Location
- Corpuscle and convoluted tubules occupy cortex; the loop extends into medulla to a depth related to nephron type.
- Parts
- Corpuscle, proximal convoluted and straight tubule, thin and thick loop segments, distal convoluted tubule and connecting tubule; fluid then enters the collecting system.
- Blood supply
- Afferent inflow reaches glomerular capillaries, followed by efferent outflow to peritubular capillaries or vasa recta.
- Innervation
- Sympathetic pathways regulate arteriolar tone, renin release and tubular transport; local feedback and hormones are also essential.
- Function
- Filters plasma and selectively reabsorbs or secretes substances before the collecting system makes final urine adjustments.
Clinical correlation
Adult kidneys do not normally replace lost nephrons with new complete units. Remaining nephrons can increase their workload; persistent hyperfiltration may contribute to further injury, although tubular repair and recovery of function can still occur.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nephron located?
Corpuscle and convoluted tubules occupy cortex; the loop extends into medulla to a depth related to nephron type.
What does the nephron do?
Filters plasma and selectively reabsorbs or secretes substances before the collecting system makes final urine adjustments.
What are the parts of the nephron?
Corpuscle, proximal convoluted and straight tubule, thin and thick loop segments, distal convoluted tubule and connecting tubule; fluid then enters the collecting system.
What is the blood supply of the nephron?
The nephron is supplied by the afferent inflow reaches glomerular capillaries, followed by efferent outflow to peritubular capillaries or vasa recta.