Proximal tubule

Proximal Tubule

The proximal tubule is a part of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. It is the first part of the renal tubule system and plays a crucial role in the reabsorption and secretion of various substances.

Structure

The proximal tubule is divided into two segments: the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and the proximal straight tubule (PST). The PCT is located in the renal cortex, while the PST extends into the renal medulla.

Function

The primary function of the proximal tubule is to reabsorb around 65% of the glomerular filtrate. This includes sodium, glucose, amino acids, and water. It also secretes substances such as hydrogen ions, ammonia, and urea.

Clinical Significance

Diseases of the proximal tubule can lead to various clinical conditions. For example, Fanconi syndrome is a disorder of the proximal tubule that results in the loss of essential substances in the urine. Renal tubular acidosis is another condition that can occur due to dysfunction of the proximal tubule.

See Also

• Nephron
• Kidney
• Renal tubular acidosis
• Fanconi syndrome

References

Proximal tubule Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia