Types and Functions of Nephron in the Human Body

There are two types of nephron: • Cortical nephron

These are the nephrons present within the cortex. These are short and comprise about 80% of the total nephrons.

These have long loops of Henle and extend into the medulla. These are about 20%.

The primary function of nephron is removing all waste products including the solid wastes, and other excess water from the blood, converting blood into the urine, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion of numerous substances.

As the blood passes through the glomerulus with high pressure, the small molecules are moved into the glomerular capsules and travel through a winding series of tubules.

The cell present in each tube absorbs different molecules excluding the glucose, water, and other beneficial molecules which are called as the ultrafiltrate. As the ultrafiltrate molecules travel down the tubules they become more and more hypertonic, which results in more amount of water to be extracted from the ultrafiltrate before it exits the nephrons.

The blood surrounding the nephron travels back into the body through the renal blood vessels, which are free of toxins and other excess substances. The obtained ultrafiltrate is urine, which travels down via the collecting duct to the bladder, where it will be stored and released through the urethra

• Ingestion.

• Mechanical processing.

• Digestion.

• Secretion.

• Absorption.

• Excretion.

Keeps your mouth and throat lubricated and comfortable.

Moistens food so it’s easier to swallow.

Contains an enzyme called amylase, which helps your stomach break down starches in food.

Keeps your mouth clean.

Helps reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Helps maintain, the pH balance in your mouth

• The process of intake of atmospheric air is known as inspiration. It is an active process.

• When the volume of the thoracic cavity increases and the air pressure decreases, inspiration takes place.

• Contraction of external intercostal muscles increases the volume of the thoracic cavity.

• Contraction of the diaphragm further increases the size of the thoracic activity. Simultaneously, the lungs expand.

• With the expansion of the lungs, the air pressure inside the lungs decreases.

• The pressure equalizes and the atmospheric air rushes inside the lungs.

The expiration process is considered once after the gaseous exchange occurs in the lungs and the air is expelled. This expulsion of air is called expiration.

During this process, muscles attached to the ribs contract, the muscles of the diaphragm and the abdomen relax which leads to a decrease in the volume of the chest cavity and increases the pressure of the lungs, causing the air in the lungs to be pushed out through the nose.

• The process of exhaling carbon dioxide is called expiration. It is a passive process.

• It occurs when the size of the thoracic activity decreases and the air pressure outside increases.

• Now the external intercostal muscles relax and the internal intercostal muscles contract.

• As a result, the ribs are pulled inwards and the size of the thoracic cavity is reduced.

• The diaphragm is relaxed and the lungs get compressed.

• Consequently, the pressure increases and the air is forced outside.