Nephron (Noun)
Meaning
Any of the small tubules that are the excretory units of the vertebrate kidney.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood.
- Each human kidney contains approximately one million nephrons, which work together to regulate electrolyte balance and maintain acid-base homeostasis.
- The nephron consists of the glomerulus, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct.
- Disease or damage to nephrons can lead to chronic kidney disease, characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function over time.
- Nephron function is highly sensitive to changes in blood pressure and flow, making hypertension a major risk factor for kidney damage.