Answer:
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. It is responsible for filtering the blood and producing urine. The nephron has three main parts: the glomerulus, the proximal convoluted tubule, and the distal convoluted tubule.
The glomerulus is a network of capillaries that filters the blood. The capillaries are surrounded by a Bowman's capsule, which collects the filtered fluid. The filtered fluid is called filtrate.
The proximal convoluted tubule is a long, coiled tube that reabsorbs water and nutrients from the filtrate. The distal convoluted tubule is a shorter, coiled tube that reabsorbs water and electrolytes from the filtrate.
The nephron also has a loop of Henle, which is a U-shaped tube that helps to concentrate the urine.
The processes of filtration, secretion, and reabsorption occur in the nephron. Filtration is the process of removing waste products from the blood. Secretion is the process of adding substances to the urine. Reabsorption is the process of returning substances to the blood.
Filtration occurs in the glomerulus. The blood pressure in the glomerulus forces water and small molecules out of the capillaries and into the Bowman's capsule. The filtrate then flows down the proximal convoluted tubule.
Secretion occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule and the distal convoluted tubule. Substances that are not needed by the body, such as hydrogen ions, potassium ions, and ammonia, are secreted into the filtrate.
Reabsorption occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule, the distal convoluted tubule, and the loop of Henle. Water, glucose, and other nutrients are reabsorbed from the filtrate into the blood.
The processes of filtration, secretion, and reabsorption coordinate with the cardiovascular system to help the body maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment. The cardiovascular system helps to maintain homeostasis by circulating blood throughout the body. The blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removes waste products from the cells.
The nephron is a very important part of the body. It helps to filter the blood and produce urine. The processes of filtration, secretion, and reabsorption coordinate with the cardiovascular system to help the body maintain homeostasis.
Podocytes are cells that line the glomerular capillaries. They have foot-like projections that wrap around the capillaries. These projections help to filter the blood and prevent blood cells and proteins from passing into the filtrate.
