RLO: The Anatomy of the Kidneys

 

The Nephron at Work

As filtered substances flow through the nephron, they are in close proximity to the network of capillaries. These coil around the tubules and also form long loops called vasa recta which lie alongside the loop of Henle.

This closeness between the blood stream and the renal tubule facilitates the movement of substances between the two, leading to the formation of urine.