Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

25. The Urinary System

The Nephron

Anatomy & Physiology

25. The Urinary System

The Nephron

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Problem 4

Textbook Question

Cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons differ in the:
a. Lengths of their nephron loops
b. Structure of the capillaries surrounding them
c. Structure of their renal corpuscles
d. Both a and b are correct
e. Both b and c are correct

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic anatomy of nephrons: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney, and there are two types—cortical nephrons and juxtamedullary nephrons. Cortical nephrons are located primarily in the renal cortex, while juxtamedullary nephrons are located near the boundary of the cortex and medulla.

Analyze the differences in nephron loop lengths: Cortical nephrons have shorter nephron loops that barely extend into the medulla, whereas juxtamedullary nephrons have much longer nephron loops that extend deep into the medulla. This difference is crucial for the kidney's ability to concentrate urine.

Examine the capillary structures: Cortical nephrons are surrounded by peritubular capillaries, which are a network of capillaries that primarily function in reabsorption and secretion. Juxtamedullary nephrons, on the other hand, are surrounded by vasa recta, a specialized capillary network that plays a key role in maintaining the medullary osmotic gradient.

Evaluate the structure of renal corpuscles: Both cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons have similar renal corpuscles, which consist of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. There is no significant structural difference in the renal corpuscles between the two types of nephrons.

Determine the correct answer: Based on the above analysis, the differences between cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons are related to the lengths of their nephron loops and the structure of the capillaries surrounding them. Therefore, the correct answer is 'd. Both a and b are correct.'

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nephron Structure

Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney, consisting of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule. Cortical nephrons have shorter loops of Henle that primarily reside in the renal cortex, while juxtamedullary nephrons have longer loops that extend deep into the medulla. This structural difference is crucial for their respective roles in urine concentration and filtration.

Capillary Networks

The capillary networks surrounding nephrons, specifically the glomeruli and peritubular capillaries, play a vital role in filtration and reabsorption. Cortical nephrons are associated with peritubular capillaries, which are more abundant in the cortex, while juxtamedullary nephrons are linked to the vasa recta, which are essential for maintaining the osmotic gradient in the medulla.

Renal Corpuscle

The renal corpuscle is the initial filtering component of the nephron, consisting of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. The structure of the renal corpuscle can vary between cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons, influencing their filtration efficiency and the overall function of the kidney in regulating fluid and electrolyte balance.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes the role of the juxtamedullary nephrons?

The basic functional unit of the kidney is the __________.

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Multiple Choice

The glomerular (Bowman's) capsule and glomerulus make up the __________.

Mr. Gupta has been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, which is characterized by the loss of plasma proteins such as albumin into the urine. What impact will this have on his colloid osmotic pressure? How will this affect the net filtration pressure in his capillary beds? What effect will this likely cause?

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Textbook Question

Explain why the filtrate becomes hypotonic as it flows through the ascending limb of the nephron loop. Also explain why the filtrate at the bend of the nephron loop (and the interstitial fluid of the deep portions of the medulla) is hypertonic.

What are the two main parts of the nephron?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is not a characteristic of cortical nephrons?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the functional unit of the kidney?