Renal tubule
Renal Tubule
The Renal tubule (/rɪˈnæl ˈtjuːbjuːl/) is a crucial part of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. It plays a significant role in the filtration, reabsorption, and secretion processes of the kidney.
Etymology
The term "Renal" is derived from the Latin word renes, meaning kidneys. "Tubule" comes from the Latin tubulus, meaning a small tube.
Structure
The renal tubule is a long, convoluted structure that extends from the Bowman's capsule. It is divided into several segments: the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, and the distal convoluted tubule. Each segment has unique functions in the process of urine formation.
Function
The primary function of the renal tubule is to convert the filtrate from the Bowman's capsule into urine. This is achieved through three processes: filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
- Filtration: This is the first step in urine formation. The glomerulus filters the blood, and the filtrate enters the renal tubule through the Bowman's capsule.
- Reabsorption: The renal tubule reabsorbs useful substances from the filtrate back into the blood. This includes glucose, amino acids, and ions.
- Secretion: The renal tubule secretes waste products from the blood into the filtrate. This includes hydrogen ions, potassium ions, and certain drugs.
Related Terms
- Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney, consisting of the glomerulus and the renal tubule.
- Glomerulus: A network of tiny blood vessels in the kidney where filtration of blood occurs.
- Bowman's capsule: A cup-like sac at the beginning of the tubular component of a nephron in the mammalian kidney that performs the first step in the filtration of blood to form urine.
- Proximal convoluted tubule: The portion of the duct system of the nephron of the kidney which leads from Bowman's capsule to the Loop of Henle.
- Loop of Henle: The portion of a nephron that leads from the proximal convoluted tubule to the distal convoluted tubule.
- Distal convoluted tubule: The portion of the kidney nephron between the loop of Henle and the collecting duct system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Renal tubule
- Wikipedia's article - Renal tubule
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