Question
Explain the structure of a nephron.

Answer

  • Nephron is a basic filtration unit in the kidneys.
  • Each kidney has large numbers of nephrons packed closely together.
  • Nephron is a long-coiled tubular structure which begins with a cup-shaped end, called Bowman’s capsule and it ends in collecting tubule.
  • A cluster of very thin-walled blood capillaries seen in the Bowman’s capsule is called glomerulus.
[Nephron-the excretory unit]
20. Describe the structure and functioning of nephrons. Ans: Nephron is a basic filtration unit in the kidneys.
  • Each kidney has large numbers of nephrons packed closely together.
  • Nephron is a long-coiled tubular structure which begins with a cup-shaped end, called Bowman’s capsule and it ends in collecting tubule.
  • A cluster of very thin-walled blood capillaries seen in the Bowman’s capsule is called glomerulus.
[Nephron-the excretory unit]
  • The purpose of making urine is to filter out waste products from blood.
  • Nitrogenous wastes such as urea, uric acid, etc, are removed from blood in the kidney.
  • Urine is produced by filtration units i.e., nephrons.
  • Cup-shaped Bowman’s capsule collects the filtrate.
  • Some substance in the initial filtrate, such as glucose, amino acids, salts and a major amount of water are selectively reabsorbed as the urine flows along the coiled tube.
  • The amount of water reabsorbed depends on the amount of water present in the body and amount of dissolved waste which is to be excreted.
  • Thus, urine is formed in both kidneys.
  • [In a normal healthy adult, the initial filtrate in the kidneys is about $180$ L daily. However, the volume of excreted urine is only a litre or two per day. The remaining filtrate is reabsorbed in the kidney tubules.]

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