Describe the primary components of the vertebrate kidney.

Answer 1

The primary components of the vertebrate kidney include:

1. Renal cortex: The outermost layer of the kidney that contains the renal corpuscles and convoluted tubules. It is responsible for filtering the blood and reabsorbing essential substances.

2. Renal medulla: The inner region of the kidney that consists of cone-shaped structures called renal pyramids. It contains the loops of Henle and collecting ducts, which are involved in the reabsorption and concentration of urine.

3. Nephrons: The functional units of the kidney that filter waste products, excess water, and electrolytes from the blood. Each nephron consists of a renal corpuscle (composed of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule) and renal tubules (proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule).

4. Glomerulus: A network of capillaries within the renal corpuscle where blood filtration occurs. It selectively filters substances based on their molecular size and charge.

5. Bowman's capsule: A cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtered fluid (glomerular filtrate) from the blood.

6. Renal tubules: Tubular structures that receive the glomerular filtrate and modify it through processes such as reabsorption (reclaiming useful substances back into the bloodstream) and secretion (eliminating waste products into the tubules).

7. Collecting ducts: Tubules that receive urine from multiple nephrons and transport it towards the renal pelvis for excretion.

8. Renal pelvis: A funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the collecting ducts and funnels it into the ureter.

These components work together to filter the blood, remove waste products and excess water, and maintain the body's electrolyte balance.