Structure of a Kidney Tubule (Nephrons)

Bowman's capsule is a thin-walled, cup-shaped structure in the nephron that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate from the blood.

The glomerulus is a knot-like network of blood capillaries located inside the Bowman's capsule, where blood filtration occurs.

The Malpighian capsule is the combined structure of the Bowman's capsule and glomerulus, forming the filtration unit of the nephron.

1. Each kidney contains about 2 million uriniferous tubules, each 4–5 cm long, with a total length of over 60 km aiding reabsorption.
2. The Malpighian capsule is formed by Bowman’s capsule and glomerulus, where filtration begins.
3. Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) in the cortex is the first site of reabsorption; Loop of Henle extends into medulla and helps in water conservation.
4. Distal convoluted tubule (DCT) opens into the collecting duct, which transports urine to the pelvis.
5. Blood flows through the kidneys about 350 times a day, filtering approximately 160 litres of fluid daily, most of which is reabsorbed.
6. The kidneys produce around 1.2 litres of urine per day, and their blood supply involves afferent and efferent arterioles along with capillary networks.