Question

Sometimes the microvilli on the epithelial cells lining the proximal tubule are destroyed. What effect would this have?

Answer 1

Answer:

Reduced reabsorption of salts and nutrients from the proximal tubule.

Explanation:

The proximal convoluted tubules are the site for reabsorption of the largest amount of solute and water from the filtered fluid. It reabsorbs 65% of water, electrolytes such as Na+ and K+, almost 100% of the filtered glucose and amino acids and other electrolytes such as Ca2+, Mg2+, etc.

The simple cuboidal epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubule have a prominent brush border of microvilli on their apical surface. These microvilli serve to increase the surface area for reabsorption and secretion. Destruction of these microvilli would reduce the reabsorption of the above-mentioned salts and nutrients from proximal convoluted tubules.