Pronunciation: [nˈɛfɹɒn] (IPA) 
The word "nephron" is spelled with a "ph" sound, even though it sounds like it should be spelled with an "f" sound. This is because "ph" makes a "f" sound only in words of Greek origin that have the "ph" combination at the beginning of a word. In "nephron", the "ph" occurs in the middle of the word, so it makes the "p" sound instead. The phonetic transcription of "nephron" is /ˈnɛfrɒn/.
A nephron refers to the basic functional unit of the kidney, responsible for performing the vital tasks of urine formation and filtration. It is a microscopic structure found in the kidneys that plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and regulating water levels. Comprising a complex network of tubules and blood vessels, the nephron works in conjunction with other nephrons to efficiently filter blood and excrete waste products.
Each nephron consists of two primary components: the renal corpuscle, which encompasses the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, and the renal tubules. The glomerulus is a network of tiny capillaries where blood is filtered under high pressure, allowing water, electrolytes, and waste products to pass into Bowman's capsule. From there, the filtered fluid enters the tubules, which consist of the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct. These tubules reabsorb water, electrolytes, and essential nutrients back into the bloodstream while further concentrating the urine.
The nephron's remarkable filtration and reabsorption capabilities help regulate blood volume, blood pressure, pH balance, and electrolyte concentrations in the body. Additionally, it serves as a vital component in eliminating waste products, such as urea and excess ions, from the bloodstream and excreting them as urine. As each kidney contains millions of nephrons, their collective function ensures the effective removal of waste and maintenance of homeostasis within the body.
The word "nephron" is derived from the Greek word "nephros", which means "kidney". It can be traced back to the Indo-European root "népōts" meaning "nephew" or "descendant". The term "nephron" was first used in 1902 by the German anatomist Friedrich Bidder to describe the structural and functional unit of the kidney.
