The Structure And Function Of The Kidney

The Kidney

Function: carries out ultrafiltration of the blood to remove waste material whilst maintaining constant levels of useful substances such as glucose

Overall structure: Can be divided into 3 main tissues: the outer cortex, inner medulla and central pelvis

Microscopic structure: contains millions of units called nephrons. These are made up of the bowmans capsule, proximal covuluted tubule (PCT), loop of Henle, distal convuluted tubule (DCT) and collecting duct

Bowmans capsule: where ultrafultration of the blood occurs. The afferent arteriole is wider than the efferent arteriole so high pressure is created in the glomerulus and small molecules are squeezed out. & lt;/p>

Proximal convuluted tubule: reabsorption of glucose and amino acids which are cotransported with sodium ions into the blood lt;/p>

Loop of Henle: reabsorption of water and other mineral ions. Longer in animals living in water poor environments such as camels to allow for maximal water reabsorption lt;/p>

Distal convuluted tubule: further reabsorption and balancing of pH

Collecting duct: where urine is intitally collected and further reabsorption of water, controlled by levels of the hormone ADH (anti-diuretic hormone)