What is the sequence of urine flow through kidney?
1. Renal cortex: The renal cortex is the outermost layer of the kidney and where the filtration process begins. Here, blood enters the kidney through the renal artery and flows into small blood vessels called afferent arterioles. These arterioles lead to the glomeruli, which are clusters of tiny blood vessels where filtration occurs.2. Glomerulus: Inside the glomerulus, the small blood vessels allow for the filtration of fluid and solutes from the blood. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determines the rate at which fluid flows through the glomerulus.
3. Bowman's capsule: Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus and is the first part of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. The filtrate from the glomerulus is collected in Bowman's capsule.
4. Proximal tubule: The proximal tubule is the first part of the renal tubule, which is a long, convoluted tube that leads from Bowman's capsule to the collecting duct. The proximal tubule reabsorbs essential substances from the filtrate, such as water, glucose, amino acids, and bicarbonate ions.
5. Loop of Henle: The loop of Henle is a U-shaped section of the renal tubule that descends deep into the kidney's medulla and then ascends. This structure helps to concentrate the urine by reabsorbing water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium ions from the filtrate.
6. Distal tubule: The distal tubule is the final part of the renal tubule. It continues the process of reabsorption and also helps regulate the body's electrolyte balance by controlling the secretion of potassium and hydrogen ions into the filtrate.
7. Collecting duct: The collecting duct is the final part of the nephron and is responsible for collecting the urine from multiple nephrons. It also plays a vital role in regulating water balance by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed or secreted into the urine.
8. Renal pelvis: The renal pelvis is the funnel-shaped cavity inside the kidney where the urine from the collecting ducts is collected.
9. Ureter: The ureters are tubes that carry urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.
10. Urinary bladder: The urinary bladder stores urine until it is released through the urethra during urination.