CorpusHuman Anatomy
UrinaryOrgan part

Cortical nephron

Nephronum corticale

Also known as: superficial nephron, short-looped nephron

The majority type of nephron (≈85%), with its glomerulus in the outer/mid cortex and a short loop of Henle that turns in the outer medulla; its efferent arteriole forms peritubular capillaries.

Show on body map Nephron — Juxtamedullary

Overview

Proportion of nephrons≈85%

Cortical (superficial and mid-cortical) nephrons have smaller glomeruli located in the outer two-thirds of the cortex. Their loops of Henle are short: they descend only into the outer medulla and lack a thin ascending limb — the thin descending limb turns directly into the thick ascending limb just before or at the bend. Their efferent arterioles break up into peritubular capillaries that surround the cortical tubules.

Cortical nephrons perform most of the bulk reabsorption and secretion of the kidney but contribute little to building the deep medullary osmotic gradient. In states of sympathetic activation, blood flow is redistributed between cortical and juxtamedullary glomeruli.

Location

Glomeruli in the outer and middle cortex; loops in the outer medulla.

Anatomy

Arterial supply

Efferent arterioles → peritubular capillary network.

Function

  • Bulk filtration, reabsorption and secretion
  • Excretion of wastes and regulation of electrolytes

Test yourself

Which feature distinguishes juxtamedullary nephrons from cortical nephrons?
  1. Their glomeruli lie in the outer cortex
  2. They lack a thick ascending limb
  3. They have long loops reaching the inner medulla and their efferent arterioles give rise to the vasa recta
  4. They make up about 85% of all nephrons

Answer: They have long loops reaching the inner medulla and their efferent arterioles give rise to the vasa recta

Juxtamedullary nephrons (≈15%) have glomeruli near the corticomedullary junction, long loops with thin ascending limbs extending to the papilla, and efferent arterioles forming the vasa recta — they create the medullary osmotic gradient.

More urinary system questions

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Urinary System sources. For education only; not medical advice.