Page 350 - Biology_F5

Regulation (Homeostasis)

cortical arteries. Each renal corpuscle is into three functional parts. These consist
composed of a glomerulus (a network of of the proximal convoluted tubule, the
capillaries) and a Bowman’s capsule (the loop of Henle (nephritic loop) with its
cup-shaped chamber that surrounds it). descending and ascending limbs, and the
The Bowman’s capsule connects to a long distal convoluted tubule, which empties
convoluted renal tubule which is divided into the collecting ducts.
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Distal convoluted
Efferent arteriole tubule
Afferent arteriole

Glomerular
capillary
Bowman’s capsule

Collecting
duct

Branch of renal artery
Proximal
convoluted tubule
Branch of renal vein

Descending limb
Loop of Henle
Ascending limb

Figure 7.7: Structure of the mammalian nephron

The collecting ducts fuse together and cells. The inner layer is composed of
enter the papillae of the renal medulla. specialised cells that allow easy passage of

molecules, and the glomerulus consisting
Urine passes through the renal medulla of endothelial cells with fenestrae (pores).
as a fluid with high sodium content and The renal corpuscle acts as an ultra-
leaves through the renal papillae, into the
renal calyces, the renal pelvis, and the filtration unit, filtering the blood and
bladder through the ureter. separating the larger particles (which
stay in the blood vessels) from the small

The outer layer of the Bowman’s capsule ones (which pass into the renal tubule).
is composed of squamous epithelial Therefore, it is a site for ultra-filtration;

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