The nephron is the fundamental functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons, which consist of a renal corpuscle (comprising Bowman’s capsule and glomerulus) and a renal tubule (including the proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule). The nephron's intricate structure allows for the filtration of blood, reabsorption of essential substances, and secretion of waste products, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as regulating blood pressure and waste elimination
What is a nephron?
A nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine
How many nephrons are typically found in each human kidney?
Each human kidney contains approximately one million nephrons
What are the main components of a nephron?
The main components of a nephron include the renal corpuscle (Bowman's capsule and glomerulus) and the renal tubule (proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule)
What is the function of the glomerulus in the nephron?
The glomerulus is a network of capillaries that filters blood, allowing water and small molecules to pass into Bowman's capsule while retaining larger molecules and blood cells
What role does the loop of Henle play in the nephron?
The loop of Henle is involved in the concentration of urine by creating a concentration gradient in the medulla, which facilitates the reabsorption of water and salts
What is the primary function of the nephron?
a) Hormone production
b) Blood filtration and urine formation
c) Nutrient absorption
d) Blood cell production
Answer: b) Blood filtration and urine formation
Which part of the nephron is responsible for filtering blood?
a) Loop of Henle
b) Distal tubule
c) Glomerulus
d) Proximal tubule
Answer: c) Glomerulus
How many nephrons are typically found in a human kidney?
a) About 100,000
b) About 500,000
c) About 1 million
d) About 5 million
Answer: c) About 1 million
What is the role of the loop of Henle in the nephron?
a) Filtration of blood
b) Reabsorption of water and salts
c) Secretion of waste products
d) Production of hormones
Answer: b) Reabsorption of water and salts
Which type of nephron is primarily involved in the production of concentrated urine?
a) Cortical nephron
b) Juxtamedullary nephron
c) Medullary nephron
d) Proximal nephron
Answer: b) Juxtamedullary nephron