ABSTRACT

The predominant structures in the kidney are the nephrons, numbering approximately 1.3 × 106. Each nephron consists of a glomerulus and a series of tubules (Fig. 14.1). The glomerulus is supplied with a high-pressure capillary system that produces an ultrafi ltrate from the plasma. The fi ltrate collected in the Bowman’s capsule fl ows through the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, and the distal convoluted tubule, and then drains through a collecting tubule into the renal pelvis for excretion as urine.