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Related Concept Videos

Nephrons01:10

Nephrons

The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma happens...
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct01:24

Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct

The renal tubule is divided into three parts: the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), the Loop of Henle (LOH), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Filtration and Urine Formation01:32

Filtration and Urine Formation

The function of the kidneys is to filter, reabsorb, secrete, and excrete. Every day the kidneys filter nearly 180 liters of blood, initially removing water and solutes but ultimately returning nearly all filtrates into circulation with the help of osmoregulatory hormones. This process removes wastes and toxins but is also crucial to maintain water and electrolyte levels. Most of these functions are performed by the tiny but numerous nephrons contained within the kidneys.
Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution01:20

Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution

The kidneys concentrate or dilute urine to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Nephrons, particularly the loop of Henle, play a crucial role in this process through the countercurrent multiplication system. This system establishes a high osmolarity in the renal medulla, which is essential for water reabsorption. In the loop of Henle’s descending limb, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding medulla due to its permeability to water. In contrast, the ascending limb actively transports...
Physiology of the Genitourinary System I: Renal Blood Flow and Glomerular Filtration01:29

Physiology of the Genitourinary System I: Renal Blood Flow and Glomerular Filtration

The kidneys are vital organs responsible for regulating blood filtration, waste excretion, and fluid balance, all of which are crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Renal physiology examines renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and urine formation, ensuring the body’s internal environment remains stable.Renal Blood FlowThe kidneys receive about 20-25% of the cardiac output, typically around 1200 mL of blood per minute in an average adult. Blood flows into the kidneys through the renal...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate01:25

Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a critical indicator of kidney health, reflecting how well the kidneys filter blood. Changes in GFR can signal potential kidney impairment, necessitating accurate measurement methods to monitor kidney function effectively.Various molecules can serve as markers for GFR measurement, with the ideal marker meeting several specific criteria. It must freely filter at the glomerulus, avoid reabsorption or secretion by the renal tubules, remain unmetabolized, not...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method
08:15

Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method

Published on: May 22, 2019

Why and how we determine nephron number.

John F Bertram, Luise A Cullen-McEwen, Gary F Egan

    Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
    |September 12, 2013
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Counting kidney glomeruli (nephrons) is vital for understanding development and disease risk. A new MRI method offers a faster, more accessible way to quantify nephron number and size.

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    Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney

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    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: May 8, 2026

    Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method
    08:15

    Estimation of Nephron Number in Whole Kidney using the Acid Maceration Method

    Published on: May 22, 2019

    An Efficient and Fast Method for Labeling and Analyzing Mouse Glomeruli
    09:50

    An Efficient and Fast Method for Labeling and Analyzing Mouse Glomeruli

    Published on: February 9, 2024

    Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
    08:53

    Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney

    Published on: August 9, 2014

    Area of Science:

    • Nephrology
    • Microanatomy
    • Biomedical Imaging

    Background:

    • Glomeruli (nephron) number is a key microanatomical parameter.
    • It impacts nephrogenesis, disease risk (cardiovascular, renal), and physiological understanding.
    • Current gold-standard methods (stereology) are labor-intensive and costly.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To introduce and evaluate a novel, efficient method for counting and sizing kidney glomeruli.
    • To provide a faster alternative to traditional stereological techniques.

    Main Methods:

    • In vivo labeling of glomeruli using cationic ferritin.
    • Ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the kidney.
    • Quantification of glomerular number and size via MRI.

    Main Results:

    • The new MRI method significantly reduces the time required for glomerular counting compared to stereology.
    • Achieves results in one-sixth of the time of disector-based approaches.
    • Enables efficient ex vivo and potentially in vivo studies of glomerular parameters.

    Conclusions:

    • This novel MRI technique offers a promising, time-efficient approach for quantifying glomerular number and size.
    • It has the potential to facilitate broader research into kidney development, health, and disease.
    • The method enhances accessibility for laboratories worldwide.