Diagram of Nephron

A diagram of nephrons helps us to understand their structure and function. The nephron consists of a renal corpuscle, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, and distal convoluted tubule. The diagram of the nephron in kidney shows that the blood enters the nephron through the afferent arteriole and exits through the efferent arteriole. The diagram of nephron class 10 is an important concept frequently asked in the examinations.

The labeled diagram of nephron is given below:

Diagram of Nephron

What is Nephron?

Definition of Nephron: A nephron is the microscopic unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

The word “nephron” comes from the Greek word nephros, which means “kidney”. It consists of a renal corpuscle, which includes the glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule, and a renal tubule, comprising the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct. Each human kidney contains about 1.2 million nephrons.

Nephrons can be divided into two basic types: Cortical nephrons and Juxtamedullary nephrons. Nephrons regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and pH by selectively filtering substances from the blood, reabsorbing essential molecules, and excreting waste products to form urine.

Structure of Nephron

A human kidney contains about 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 nephrons. The number of nephrons in a kidney doesn’t increase after birth. A nephron is a microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney. The diagram of nephrons shows that it has two parts: 

• Renal Corpuscle (or Malpighian corpuscle)
• Renal Tubule

Renal Corpuscle

• Small, round-shaped structure in the kidney’s cortex. 
• It is made up of:
  • Glomerulus: A network of capillaries that filters blood
  • Bowman’s capsule: A cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus

Renal Tubule

• Part of nephron that helps maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. 
• Emerges from the glomerulus and modifies the glomerular filtrate.
• The renal tubule has three parts:
  • Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT): Close to the glomerulus and remains in the renal cortex.
  • Loop of Henle: Forms a loop that goes through the renal medulla.
  • Distal convoluted tubule (DCT): Remains in the renal cortex.

Blood vessels

Blood vessels present in the nephron are:

• Afferent arteriole: Carries blood to the glomerulus
• Efferent arteriole: Carries blood away from the glomerulus
• Peritubular capillaries: Surroundes the renal tubules
• Vasa recta: Capillaries surrounding the loop of Henle in juxtamedullary nephrons

Functions of Nephron

The diagram of nephron shows the structure clearly. Now, let’s discuss the functions of nephron:

• Filtration: Filters blood plasma, allowing small molecules like proteins and waste products into renal tubules while retaining larger molecules in the bloodstream.
• Reabsorption: Reabsorbs water, glucose, amino acids, and ions back into the bloodstream, ensuring their retention.
• Secretion: Excretes waste products and excess ions into renal tubules for urine excretion, maintaining electrolyte balance and pH.
• Concentration and Dilution: Helps in urine concentration or dilution to regulate water balance and osmolarity.
• Blood Pressure Regulation: Modulates water and ion reabsorption to regulate blood volume and blood pressure.
• Acid-Base Balance: Regulates pH by selectively secreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions.
• Hormone Production: Produces hormones like renin and erythropoietin for blood pressure and red blood cell regulation.
• Gluconeogenesis: Produces glucose from precursors during fasting or low carbohydrate intake, aiding in blood glucose maintenance.

Conclusion – Diagram of Nephron

The nephron, composed of the renal corpuscle and renal tubule, functions as the kidney’s basic filtration unit. Blood enters via the afferent arteriole, where filtration occurs in the glomerulus, and exits through the efferent arteriole. Substances like water, ions, and waste are selectively filtered, reabsorbed, or secreted along the tubules. The loop of Henle regulates urine concentration, important for maintaining water balance. The diagram of nephron help us understand the process of blood filtration, waste removal, and fluid balance within the body.

FAQs on Diagram of Nephron

What is Nephron with Diagram?

A nephron is a microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney. It’s made up of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule. The diagram of nephron is given in this article which clearly shows its structure.

What are the 7 Parts of Nephron?

Seven parts of nephron includes Renal corpuscle, Glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule, Proximal convoluted tube, Loop of Henle, Distal convoluted tube, and the collecting duct.

How many Nephrons are in Each Kidney?

A healthy adult kidney contains 1–1.5 million nephrons, but the number can vary from 200,000 to over 1.8 million.

What are the Two Main Parts of a Nephron Structure?

The nephron is composed of two main parts: the renal tubule and the renal corpuscle.

What are the 5 Main Functions of a Nephron?

The five main functions of a nephron are filtration of blood, reabsorption of essential substances, secretion of waste products, regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, and maintenance of acid-base equilibrium.

Where are Nephrons Located?

Nephrons are located in the cortex and medulla of the kidney. The glomerulus and convoluted tubules of the nephron are located in the cortex of the kidney, while the collecting ducts are located in the pyramids of the kidney’s medulla.