Question

7. what are the different functions of the nephron (functional part of the kidney)?

Answer 1

The overall function of the nephrons is to filter blood and remove the waste as urine. Various parts of the nephron contribute towards this and have specialized functions, as below:

1. The glomerus filters water and substances dissolved in the plasma.
2. The glomerular capsule or Bowman’s capsule receives the glomerular filtrate.
3. The proximal convoluted tubule is where much of the filtration takes place. It actively secretes creatinine, histamine and H+ ions and reabsorb Ca, K, Na, Cl ions, amino acids, lactic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, uric acid, glucose, creatine, phosphate and sulfate.
4. The descending part of the nephron loop reabsorbs water by osmosis.
5. Ascending part of the nephron loop is responsible for reabsorbing sodium, potassium and chloride ions.
6. Distal convoluted tubule reabsorbs sodium ions and water, secretion of H+ ions and K ions.
7. And finally, the collecting duct is responsible for reabsorbing water.