The Structure of the Nephron

• What is each nephron made up of?

  Renal (Bowman's) capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and a collecting duct.
• What is the renal (Bowman's) capsule?

  The closed end of the start of the nephron which surrounds a mass of glomerulus blood capillaries.
• What is the proximal convoluted tubule?

  A series of loops surrounded by blood capillaries.
• What is the loop of Henle?

  A long, hairpin loop that extends from the cortex into the medulla of the kidney , surrounded by blood capillaries.
• What is the distal convoluted tubule?

  A series of loops surrounded by blood capillaries (fewer than proximal convoluted tubule).
• What is the collecting duct?

  A tube into which a number of distal convoluted tubules extend from, which becomes wide as it empties into the pelvis of the kidney.