Question

Discuss the physiology of the nephrons (kidneys) and include one usual abnormal finding

Answer 1

Nephron:- It is a functional unit of the kidney. About 1 million in each kindney.

Physiology of the Nephron:-

It contains:-

• Glomerulus:- The vessel system where the blood that needs to be filtered is transported to the renal corpuscles.
• capillaries :- capillaries are tiny blood vessels supplied by the efferent arteriole and it allowing reabsorption and secretion between blood and inner lumen of the nephron.
• Afferent/Efferent blood vessels:- The afferent arteriole delivers blood to the kidney. The efferent arteriole takes blood away from the kidney.
• Plasma proteins:- plasma proteins concentration important for maintanence of plasma volume, which in turn regulates reabsorption by the renal tubule.
• Bowman's capsule:- It participates in the filtration of blood from the glomerular capillaries. It also has the structural function and creates a urinary space through which filtrate can enter the nephron and passes to the proximal convoluted tubule.
• Tubular system:-proximal convoluted, loop of Henley, distal convoluted, collecting segments)

Proximal convoluted tube:- from the Bowman's capsule the filtered fluid passes through the proximal convoluted tube. Which is connected directly to the capsule.

Loop of Henley:- From the proximal convoluted tubule, the fluid passes through the loop of Henley. Which dips partially into the renal medulla.

Distal convoluted tubule:- It receives urine from the loop of Henley, eventually collects the urine and goes off to collecting duct.

Collecting duct:- The distal convoluted tubule gathers urine and drains it into the collecting duct. To be sent of for urination.

3 main functions of the kidneys.

• Removal of nitrogenous waste from the blood.
• Regulate water and electrolyte balance.
• Regulate pH levels.

​​​​​​​Usual abnormal finding in nephron:-

• Renal dysplasia:- Abnormal tissue development replaced by Eli cells and fibrous tissue.