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# Nephron Structure and Function The image displays a diagram of a nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. It shows the different parts of the nephron and the flow of fluid through them. The nephron is composed of several parts: 1. **Renal Corpuscle:** This is the initial filtering structure...

# Nephron Structure and Function The image displays a diagram of a nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. It shows the different parts of the nephron and the flow of fluid through them. The nephron is composed of several parts: 1. **Renal Corpuscle:** This is the initial filtering structure. It includes the glomerulus (a network of capillaries) and Bowman's capsule (which surrounds the glomerulus). Fluid is filtered from the blood into Bowman's capsule. 2. **Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):** This is a twisted tube immediately following the Bowman's capsule. It's where most of the reabsorption of essential substances (e.g., glucose, amino acids, water) from the filtrate back into the blood occurs. 3. **Loop of Henle:** This U-shaped structure helps in establishing a concentration gradient in the kidney's medulla, which is crucial for water reabsorption. The descending limb is more permeable to water, while the ascending limb is more permeable to salts. 4. **Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT):** Another twisted section of the nephron. Fine-tuning of water and electrolyte levels occurs here, regulated primarily by hormones like aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). **Fluid Movement:** The diagram shows the direction of fluid flow through the nephron, starting with filtration in the renal corpuscle, then reabsorption and secretion in the PCT, loop of Henle, and DCT, ultimately leading to urine formation and excretion. Arrows indicate the direction of fluid movement. Different colors of arrows might denote different types of substances or processes (e.g., reabsorption, secretion). **Note:** The diagram does not show the collecting duct, which further modifies urine before it leaves the kidney. It also doesn't depict the location of the nephron within the kidney itself.