Nephron Units

A nephron unit is generally defined as a functional unit of a vertebrate kidney. The word is derived from the Greek word nephros which means kidney.

• How does a nephron unit work in mammals?
• What affects the operation of a nephron unit?

There are many different modifications of the basic nephron unit used by animals. By exploring the lives of some animals you will begin to appreciate the value of these modifications. Which of these questions would you like to learn more about?

• How does the nephron unit work in a freshwater fish?
• How does the nephron unit work in a saltwater fish?
• How does the nephron unit change function for a fish that spends part of its life in freshwater and part of its life in salt water?
• Why do gerbils not smell while white rats do?

There are also accessory excretory organs that are used by many different animals.

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