the nephron

by Adrián

— 78

The nephron is a functional unit of the kidney, the structure that actually produces urine in the process of removing waste and excess substances from the blood. There are about 1,000,000 nephrons in each human kidney.
Proximal convoluted tubule :The proximal tubule regulates the pH of the filtrate by exchanging hydrogen ions, it is also responsible for secreting organic acids, such as creatinine and other bases, into the filtrate.
Glomerulus : It´s the first stage in the filtering process of the blood carried out by the nephron in its formation of urine.
Renal vein :The renal veins are veins that drain the kidney. They connect the kidney to the inferior vena cava. They carry the blood purified by the kidney.
Renal artery :The renal arteries carry a large portion of total blood flow to the kidneys. Up to a third of total cardiac output can pass through the renal arteries to be filtered by the kidneys.
Descending limb :The descending limb is permeable to water and noticeably less impermeable to salt.
Ascending limb: The ascending limb actively pumps sodium the filtrate
Glomerular capsule
Peritubular capillary :peritubular capillaries are tiny blood vessels that travel alongside nephrons allowing reabsorption and secretion blood of the nephron.