Describe the structure of nephron in detail

A nephronis a complex tubular structure differentiated into four regions having different anatomical features and physiological role;

Bowman’s capsule, Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT), Henle’s loop and Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT).

(i) Bowman’s capsule - The Bowman’s capsule forms the beginning of the nephron and lies in the renal cortex. The Bowman’s capsule is a large, double walled cup-

like structure which encloses the glomerulus and inner wall are called visceral wall. Glomerulus along with Bowman’s capsule, is called the malpighian body or renal corpuscle.

(ii) Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) - The tubule continues further to form a

highly coiled network proximal convoluted tubule (PCT).Its wall consists of a

single layer of columnar cells bearing microvilli on the free surface and resting on a basement membrane.

(iii) Henle’s loop – A U-shaped segment Henle’s loop is the next part of the tubule

lies in the renal medulla. It consists of two parallel limbs: a descending and an

ascending limb. Each limb has a thick region toward the cortex and a thin region on the other side.

(iv) Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) – The ascending limb continues as another

highly coiled tubular region called distal convoluted tubule (DCT). A short

terminal relatively straight part of the DCT is called collecting tubule. The latter opens into a collecting ducts.