Description: The collecting ducts are the final portion of the nephron, the basic
functional unit of the kidney. Fluid that has been filtered and
concentrated by the corpuscle and tubule enters the beginning of the
collecting duct system, the collecting tubule. The system extends through
both the renal cortex and medulla. Under the control of antidiuretic
hormone (ADH) the ducts become permeable or impermeable to water in order
to either concentrate or dilute the urine as needed by the body. Lower
portions of the collecting ducts are also permeable to urea, the nitrogen
containing component of urine. |
