Nephron Label Diagram Quiz

Nephron Components

• Glomerulus:

  • A network of capillaries located within the renal corpuscle.
  • Responsible for the filtration of blood, creating a filtrate that enters the renal tubule.

• Glomerular Capsule:

  • Also known as Bowman's capsule, encases the glomerulus.
  • Collects the filtrate produced by the glomerulus, funneling it into the renal tubule.

• Renal Corpuscle:

  • The combination of the glomerulus and glomerular capsule.
  • The site where blood filtration begins in the nephron.

• Afferent Arteriole:

  • A small artery that carries blood to the glomerulus.
  • Regulates blood flow and pressure in the glomerulus for efficient filtration.

• Efferent Arteriole:

  • A small artery that carries blood away from the glomerulus.
  • Maintains pressure in the glomerulus, essential for filtration.

• Proximal Convoluted Tubule:

  • The first segment of the renal tubule after the glomerulus.
  • Primarily responsible for reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients back into the bloodstream.

• Descending Limb:

  • Part of the loop of Henle that goes downward from the proximal convoluted tubule.
  • Permeable to water, allowing water reabsorption into the surrounding medulla.

• Loop of Henle:

  • U-shaped section of the nephron between the proximal convoluted tubule and the distal convoluted tubule.
  • Plays a crucial role in concentrating urine and maintaining osmotic balance.

• Thick Ascending Limb:

  • The segment of the loop of Henle that ascends towards the distal convoluted tubule.
  • Impermeable to water but actively transports ions (such as sodium and chloride) out of the filtrate.

• Distal Convoluted Tubule:

  • Follows the loop of Henle and is involved in the further reabsorption of sodium and calcium, and secretion of potassium and hydrogen.
  • Adjusts salt and water balance in the body.

• Collecting Duct:

  • Final segment of the nephron where urine concentration continues via water reabsorption.
  • Regulated by hormones such as aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

• Papillary Duct:

  • Formed by the merging of several collecting ducts.
  • Terminates at the renal papilla, where it drains urine into the minor calyx.

Test your knowledge of the nephron's anatomy with this labeling quiz. Each question challenges you to identify essential components, like the glomerulus and renal corpuscle. Perfect for biology students looking to solidify their understanding of kidney function.