Definition: The main functional part of the kidney. It is made up of the glomerulus, a system of small tubes called the renal tubular system, and a specialized blood pressure apparatus called the juxtaglomerular apparatus. There are approximately 1.2 million nephrons in every kidney.
Nephron
From About.com
Updated: April 3, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD
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