What is the Difference Between Cortical Nephron and Juxtamedullary Nephron?

Cortical nephrons and juxtamedullary nephrons are two types of nephrons found in the kidneys, and they differ in their location, structure, and function. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and generating urine:

Cortical Nephrons:

• Found in the renal cortex.
• Make up about 85% of all nephrons.
• Perform mainly excretory and regulatory functions.
• Have a glomerulus located nearer to the outer parts of the cortex, and their loops of Henle are short.
• The peritubular capillary network surrounds the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and distal convoluted tubule (DCT) in cortical nephrons.

Juxtamedullary Nephrons:

• Found in the renal cortex close to the renal medulla.
• Make up about 15% of all nephrons.
• Concentrate and dilute urine.
• Have a glomerulus near the junction of the cortex and medulla, and their loops of Henle penetrate deep into the medulla.
• The peritubular capillary network forms a network around the loop of Henle and is called the vasa recta in juxtamedullary nephrons.

In summary, cortical nephrons are more numerous and primarily responsible for excretion and regulation, while juxtamedullary nephrons play a role in concentrating and diluting urine.

Comparative Table: Cortical Nephron vs Juxtamedullary Nephron

Here is a table comparing the differences between cortical nephrons and juxtamedullary nephrons:

Cortical nephrons are located in the cortex region of the kidney and have a short loop of Henle, which penetrates only the outer renal medulla. They are more involved in filtration and reabsorption, and their blood supply is less concentrated. On the other hand, juxtamedullary nephrons are located in the medulla and have a long loop of Henle that extends deep into the renal medulla. They are specialized for the production of concentrated urine and have a more concentrated blood supply.