Nephron segments differ histologically and functionally:
Renal corpuscle
Proximal tubule
Nephron loop
Distal tubule
Collecting ducts receive tubular fluid from multiple distal nephrons, and carry urine to the ureters.
Nephron types:
Cortical nephrons reside primarily in the renal cortex; comprise 80% of all nephrons.
Juxtamedullary nephrons reside in both the cortex and the renal medulla; comprise 20%. Juxtamedullary nephrons are characterized by long nephron loops and special vasculature, called the vasa recta, which aids in the osmotic regulation of urine.
Vasculature of a juxtamedullary nephron
The relationship of the nephron to the vasculature is critical for the maintenance of osmotic gradients between the extracellular fluid and the fluid within the nephron; we'll learn the mechanism of exchange, elsewhere.
1. Arcuate artery
2. Interlobular artery
3. Afferent arteriole
4. Glomerulus
5. Efferent arteriole
6. Peritubular capillaries
7. Vasa recta around nephron loop
8. Interlobular vein
9. Arcuate vein
