TYPES OF NEPHRONS

The mammalian kidney has two types of nephrons, based on (i) the location of their glomeruli and (ii) the depth of penetration of the loops of Henle into the medulla.

Cortical nephrons: glomeruli in the outer and middle cortices. They are associated with a short loop of Henle that extends to the junction of the cortex and medulla or

into the outer zone of the medulla.2. Juxtamedullary Nephrons: Glomeruli in the cortex close to the medulla. Juxtamedullary nephrons have long loops of Henle that extend deeper into the medulla. However, the tubular fluid of all nephrons (cortical and juxtamedullary) is emptied into shared collecting ducts that proceed through the medulla to the renal pelvis.

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