Key facts - Summary of nephron function

Summary of nephron function

Renal Corpuscle (glom and Bowman’s capsule)

• Ultrafiltration – 125mls/min, approx 20% RPF

Proximal convoluted tubule

• Reabsorbs – Two thirds of  Na+, Cl- and water, most HCO3, glucose, K+, HPO42-, 98% amino acids, uric acid, 50% of urea
• Secretes – Organic acids and bases, H+ some NH4+ (involved in maintenance of acid-base balance through)

Loop of Henle

• Descending – Water reabsorption
• Ascending – Na+ and Cl- reabsorption (some K+, Ca2+, Mg2+)

Distal convoluted tubule

• Reabsorbs Na+, Cl-, water (HCO3-, K+)
• Secretes H+, NH4+ (K+)

Collecting Duct

• Reabsorbs Na+, Cl-, H20, urea (K+)
• Secretes H+, NH4+ (K+)