Nephrons are structures that are part of the cortex and the medulla of the kidney. A nephron consists of an intricate epithelial tube that is closed at one end and open at the distal portion. A kidney is made up of numerous nephrons that converge in the collecting ducts, which in turn form the papillary ducts and eventually empty into the renal pelvis.
They have the function of cleaning the blood plasma of waste substances as it passes through the kidneys. Among these substances that must be eliminated are certain terminal products of metabolism, such as urea, creatinine, uric acid and urates, which are expelled through the urine. Nephrons eliminate waste from the body, regulate blood volume and pressure, control electrolyte and metabolite levels, and regulate blood ph.
"A nephron is used to separate water, ions, and small molecules from the blood, filter out wastes and toxins, and return needed molecules to the blood."
