Describe components of vertebrate kidney
The vertebrate kidney is composed of several key components:
1. Renal Cortex: This is the outermost layer of the kidney, which contains millions of tiny filtration units called nephrons. The renal cortex houses the glomerulus, which is a network of specialized capillaries where blood filtration takes place.
2. Renal Medulla: This is the inner region of the kidney, located beneath the renal cortex. It contains structures called renal pyramids, which consist of tubules that collect and transport filtered urine to the renal pelvis.
3. Nephrons: These are the functional units of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Each kidney contains millions of nephrons. A nephron is composed of a renal corpuscle, which consists of a glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, and a renal tubule. The renal tubule extends from the renal corpuscle and is divided into several segments, including the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, and distal convoluted tubule.
4. Renal Pelvis: This is the central collecting area of the kidney, where urine from the renal tubules is collected before being transported to the bladder through the ureters.
5. Ureters: These are muscular tubes that connect each kidney to the urinary bladder. They transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder through peristaltic contractions.
6. Urinary Bladder: This is a muscular organ that serves as a storage reservoir for urine. It expands as it fills with urine and contracts to expel urine during urination.
7. Urethra: This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the external environment. In males, the urethra also functions to transport semen during ejaculation.