1. Renal Corpuscle

 

Glomerulus:

 

A tuft of capillaries.

 

Blood enters via the afferent arteriole and exits via the efferent arteriole.

 

High pressure forces water and small solutes (glucose, salts, urea) out of the blood into the Bowman’s capsule.

 

Large molecules (proteins, blood cells) remain in the blood.

 

 

Bowman’s Capsule:

 

Surrounds the glomerulus.

 

Collects the filtrate (filtered fluid) and sends it into the tubule system.

 

 

 

Process: Glomerular Filtration

 

 

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2. Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT)

 

Location: Just after Bowman’s capsule.

 

Function:

 

Reabsorbs approximately 70% of water and sodium.

 

Reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, bicarbonate, and other essential nutrients.

 

Secretes hydrogen ions, ammonia, and certain drugs into the filtrate.

 

 

 

Process: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

 

 

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3. Loop of Henle

 

Divided into:

 

Descending Limb:

 

Permeable to water.

 

Water is reabsorbed into the blood, concentrating the filtrate.

 

 

Ascending Limb:

 

Impermeable to water.

 

Actively transports sodium and chloride ions out of the filtrate.

 

Makes the filtrate more dilute.

 

 

 

Process: Countercurrent Mechanism – essential for urine concentration

 

 

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4. Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT)

 

Responds to hormones such as aldosterone.

 

Regulates:

 

Sodium and potassium balance.

 

pH by secreting hydrogen and reabsorbing bicarbonate.

 

 

Fine-tunes water and electrolyte

balance.

 

Process: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion (hormonally controlled)

 

 

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