Essentially, 3D printing is a manufacturing technique in which material is placed down in layers to build a three-dimensional object. While 3D printing has been around since the 1980s, its use and popularity have grown in recent years.
A significant reason for the recent rise in the use of this technology is that it is a simple technology that can be employed in a wide range of areas. In the past, 3D printer materials were very costly. However, costs have been decreasing in recent years due to advancements in 3D printing technology and materials.
Taking this into consideration, many people ask, can you 3D print a 3D printer?
At present, 3D printing is used in a number of places, such as libraries, hospitals, workplaces, and laboratories. Different print materials like metals, rubbers, and plastics are used by 3D printers. 3D printing is getting more popular as it provides a variety of benefits to both organizations and people.
But is a 3D printer safe to use indoors? Read on to find out.
In general, it is safe to use a 3D printer inside. The good news is that the majority of accessible filaments do not release any toxic chemicals and are safe to print indoors. But there are certain filaments that do produce dangerous fumes, so it is recommended to be aware of the dangers before 3D printing any material.
Let’s discuss 3D printing in detail and the best places to put a 3D printer indoors.
3D Printer Dangers
The dangers associated with 3D printing differ based on the kind of material and printer utilized. 3D printers using lasers pose different risks than printers that melt materials at high temperatures.
Powdered print materials are more likely to be breathed in or cause skin issues than other print materials.
Materials used in 3D printers range from ceramics to metals to thermoplastics. Many materials contain hazards that you need to be aware of and be prepared to handle.
The raw material used in 3D printing to produce a final object is called feedstock.
It is heated and then jetted through a nozzle. Polyamide nylon, powder, PLA plastic filament, and UV-cured resin are some examples of feedstock. Continuous exposure to some materials’ vapors can be harmful.
Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
According to studies, harmful gases and vapors are released throughout the process of printing. It was found that Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), the two widely used thermoplastics, produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles (UFP).
UFPs
UFPs, or nanoparticles, are particles that are between 1 and 100 nanometers in size. They are comparable in size to several biological molecules and can be readily taken up by living organisms.
According to reports, nanoparticles that are breathed in can reach your heart, liver, and blood and cause inflammation. The effects of breathing ultrafine particles into your body may include heart issues and inflammation in your lungs.
Nanoparticle exposure has been linked to many chronic and acute effects, including carcinogenesis, fibrosis, inflammation, and asthma exacerbation. Research shows that nanoparticles inhaled into the body can penetrate the systemic circulation and move to various tissues and organs.
VOCs
Organic compounds with a high vapor pressure at room temperature are called VOCs.
Because of the high pressure, a substantial number of molecules can evaporate and enter the surrounding air.
The materials used in 3D printing, such as nylon, PLA, and ABS, have been found to contain harmful VOCs. These include ethylbenzene, cyclohexanone, and styrene. VOC emissions can cause organ damage, nausea, and irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes.
Explosions and fire
The possibility of explosions and fire, skin exposure to hazardous solvents, and inhaling toxic compounds are all potential dangers of 3D printing. 3D printers emit toxic compounds that could be harmful to your health. You may come into contact with risky materials like solvents, metal particles, and other chemicals through your skin.
3D printing uses a variety of materials, such as titanium, aluminum, and plastics. Nearly all of these compounds are flammable and can create explosive dust in your area.
Some 3D printers operate at very high temperatures, putting you in danger of being burned.
Are 3D printer fumes harmful?
The vapors from 3D printing are quite toxic. It is recommended not to use a 3D printer in an environment with no ventilation. The fumes get concentrated in an unventilated area, but they are scattered and have minimal effect in a ventilated room.
Furthermore, some filaments release a strong chemical smell that is extremely unpleasant.
Some, on the other hand, release a sweet smell.
Some folks are also more vulnerable to the vapors generated by 3D printers than others. If this applies to you, you should have more ventilation when operating your 3D printer to reduce the gases created.
Are enclosed 3D printers safer?
Enclosed 3D printers are far safer than other kinds of 3D printers. In fact, there are many benefits to an enclosed 3D printer. Let’s take a look.
Reduction of noise and heat loss
Enclosed printers are usually much quieter. This makes them substantially more suitable for use in business settings.
Enhanced print quality
A 3D printer that is enclosed has a more stable frame than an open 3D printer, which boosts print quality. Print quality might differ based on the quality of an enclosure, especially with ABS and larger items.
A variety of printable materials
An enclosed print chamber keeps the print environment warmer than an open print chamber and prevents unwanted airflow from changing your print. In addition to this, it also decreases warping. Warping is one of the most common issues with 3D printing. A 3D printer warping issue arises when a printed object cools suddenly after printing.
An enclosure aids in the production of steady output, making it great for printing specialty materials.
Protection from dangerous fumes
A 3D printer produces toxic gases during the printing process that can spread throughout the area where your printer is located. An enclosure offers protection against or shields you from the vapors’ direct effects.
Do you need ventilation?
Ventilating your 3D printer is recommended in general. While not all filaments are hazardous, 3D printers can produce tiny particles that can be toxic if breathed. Keeping your printer in a place with sufficient ventilation is an ideal way to prevent breathing in toxic chemicals.
Best place to put a 3D printer inside
It’s best to keep your 3D printer in a well-ventilated place, out of reach of your pets and kids, and away from combustible materials. As a matter of fact, you should put your printer in a separate space, such as a laundry room, garage, or hobby room if we are talking about a house, and in a separate room in a workplace away from your work desk.
Garage
Your garage is probably the best location for your printer if it has sufficient space. A garage usually has ample room for your materials and equipment.
Plus, you can easily ventilate your garage. Opening the door of the garage is a great way to ventilate your garage space. A well-ventilated garage also helps to keep the temperature cool and humidity low.
Usually, this area is separate from the remaining house. It means that while your device is running, the vapors and noise will not trouble your family.
A basement or home office
If you don’t have a garage, you should consider other alternative spaces within your house. Your home office may be ideal because these are less frequented areas of the house.
If you have sufficient space, a basement is another great alternative. You or your family won’t hear sounds from the printer because it’s far away from your house. However, you should ensure that your basement doesn’t contain any combustible materials.
However, don’t worry if you don’t have access to an open area workspace. There are a few solutions you can try to remove the fumes produced by a 3D printer.
Use air extractors
A good way to increase the ventilation of an enclosed space is to use an air extractor.
It works by pulling in warm air and replacing it with cool air from outside the room. Suction pipes and a fan are used to accomplish this.
Work with only PLA
Because of its composition, PLA is more eco-friendly than other filament types. Also, it’s worthy to note that the number of tasks you work on and working hours will have to be decreased in the enclosed space.
Is sitting next to a 3D printer safe?
It is not safe to sit next to your 3D printer. As a matter of fact, you should not stay in the same place as a 3D printer while it is operating. This decreases the chances of breathing in dangerous fumes and particles.
Unless you have an excellent ventilation system with a HEPA filter, it’s not recommended to keep your 3D printer in your bedroom. Make sure to enclose your printer to prevent hazardous particles from spreading. It’s not advised to put a 3D printer in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom.
Have a look at the video below to know more about the health hazards of 3D printers:
Final Thoughts
While it is okay to 3D print indoors with most filament types, you should ensure the room that you’re 3D printing in is well-ventilated. Most importantly, if you’re using ABS filament, ensure you have sufficient ventilation.
You can put your 3D printer in your home office, basement, or a separate room at home or at work. If you experience side effects, such as a headache, increase the ventilation in the area or choose a different filament type.
Remember, 3D printers, like any other technology, have risks that you should be aware of.
Have you ever wondered why 3D scanners are so expensive? After all, they are just a camera, right? Well, it turns out that there is a lot more to it than that. In fact, 3D scanners are quite complex pieces of technology, and the high price tag reflects the extensive research and development that goes into them.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a 3D scanner this expensive and the different types so you can buy the one that isn’t bank-breaking for you. Let’s begin!
What are 3D Scanners, and what do they do?
A 3D scanner is a device that is used to make a virtual 3D object out of a real-world object.
3D scanners can be used to create accurate models of just about any type of object, from small consumer products to large industrial parts. They are also mostly used in manufacturing, engineering, and industrial designs. In medicine they can be used to scan objects to be used in animation, surgery simulation, or product development.
There are a number of different applications for 3D scanning technology. One common use is for quality control and inspection, where scanned objects can be compared to digital models to look for defects.
3D scans can also be used to create rapid prototypes of new products or parts, which can be invaluable for testing and development.
Additionally, many heritage sites and cultural institutions use 3D scanning to create digital records of valuable artifacts and environments. By capturing the intricate details of these objects and spaces, 3d scanning can help preserve them for future generations.
In biology, medicine and science, 3D scanners are used for anything from replicating accessories in the lab, to scanning bones in order to make a virtual database, to preparing prostheses.
Why are 3D Scanners Expensive?
3D scanners can be pretty expensive, ranging from a few hundred dollars to $100,000 dollars. There can be a few reasons for this.
First, 3D scanners are expensive because of their machinery, working complexity, and time to put them all together. Also, the software that makes it all work is also very expensive to develop and maintain.
Second, manufacturers of 3D scanners do not get paid the total amount as they produce in a more extensive network. So different people from different areas selling the scanner might also set the rates higher to gain profit.
Thirdly, there are some hidden costs built into the price of the 3D scanner, which causes it to appear costly. Some 3D scanners are also designed to scan and produce a model of larger objects like an aircraft, which doesn’t come any cheaper.
Finally, the technology, parts, and materials used in 3D scanners are also why they cost more as the 3D scanner produces a real 3D object into a virtual one, and the working, and machinery involved cause it to be quite expensive.
How Do 3D Scanners Work?
The working of the 3D scanner depends on the type of scanner; usually, the main functioning of the scanner is almost the same. Basically the 3D scanner first takes multiple snaps of an object, and then those shots are fused into a model, which is the exact 3D copy of the object.
The model can be rotated, and it can be viewed from various angles on the computer.
Can You Scan Something and then 3D print it?
The 3D scanners scan the object that is to be made into a 3D model. It can be any object as long as the scanner can read it. A 3D printer can take the scanned files and (after some cleaning) print it in a 3D form to be analyzed further. It is a thorough process that leads up to a perfect 3D object.
Which Types of 3D Scanners are Most Expensive?
Depending on the technology used in a 3D scanner, it can vary in price, each having its advantages and limitations. The size of the 3D scanner is one of the reasons; the bigger the scanner is, the higher the price will be.
The scanner’s quality is also essential in this matter; the home 3D scanner ought to be cheaper than the 3D scanners used in industrial, manufacturing, or medical settings.
There are also some types of scanners that include more than one feature, such as full color texture acquisition; those will probably cost more than a simple 3D scanner that only does one task at one time.
The accuracy and speed of the 3D scanner can also be taken into account; the high-end scanners will provide more accuracy and do the work faster than any cheaper 3D scanner.
Some of the expensive 3D scanners are as follows:
Industrial 3D Scanners
These 3D scanners are usually a little expensive; their average price can go up to $40,000. Some of these 3D scanners might also come cheaper.
Projected or Structured Light 3D Scanners
These 3D scanners project light to make patterns onto an object; they have high resolution and fast speed. Their price can vary from low cost to expensive depending on the accuracy and resolution.
Arm-based 3D Scanners
Arm-based 3D scanners use a mechanical arm to produce a 3D object. These can be pretty expensive; the average cost can be $50,000.
Laser-based 3D Scanners
These are the most expensive scanners on the market but they can also be found at a lower price. Laser-based 3D scanners use trigonometric triangulation, which captures a 3D shape and then makes the model by reflection; it projects multiple laser lines to make an exact copy of the 3D object.
This scanner is easy to use, but it can cost between $20,000 to $100,000. The laser-based 3D scanners used for larger purposes are usually up to $200,000 or even more.
Does the Price Make 3D Scanners Less Popular?
3D scanners usually being used by experienced users in professional settings makes it possible for them to be less accessible. Although the popularity of the 3D scanner is not as much affected. The demand for 3D scanners might be only in business settings, but it is enough to make it popular in different specialty areas. In the business field, 3D scanners can be found everywhere.
From Forensic labs to Engineering industries, 3D scanners are also used in many manufacturing industries. Some 3D scanners are also used at larger corporations to make 3D copies of large objects, but people can use some at home 3D scanners outside of industries and businesses.
So, we can say that 3D scanners are popular at both professional and nonprofessional levels.
Are Low-cost 3D Scanners Worth it?
When it comes to the price of 3D scanners, the most expensive ones don’t always stand out. Some low-cost 3D scanners also have a decent performance (depending on your specific application).
There are a lot of 3D scanners that are of low cost. Although the 3D scanner is designed to give a perfect result and accuracy, the low-cost scanners might not live up to those expectations because of the low price factor.
Low-cost 3D scanners may fall under $1,000. These scanners might not be durable, and the result will not be as perfect as an excellent 3D scanner makes. However, you can use these scanners for fun.
These scanners are also used by budget-conscious people who don’t regularly use a 3D scanner to spend a lot of money on a bank-breaking scanner.
The Revopoint is a popular one. You can learn more about it here.
Are Medium Cost 3D Scanners Better?
If you want to get a better 3D scanner with better and more precise results, you might invest in a medium-cost scanner.
The medium-cost 3D scanners usually give a satisfactory result. Their prices range from $1,000 to $10,000. But the quality and size of the scanner can cause variation in its price.
These types of 3D scanners include medium-range and long-range 3D scanners.
These 3D scanners have good resolution and accuracy; they are also much faster than low-cost 3D scanners. Overall they produce a good result.
Laser-based portable 3D scanners or handheld 3D scanners also fall in this category. They are for those people who like to travel with their equipment. These 3D scanners have a simple design, and they are effortless to use. Some of the medium-cost scanners can also be used in professional settings.
This is a low-cost laser 3D scanner, which comes at around $1,000. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac. One problem that can be found in this is that it has a vague calibration. Other than that, the overall performance is acceptable.
It is one of the best 3D scanners that are also affordable. It costs only around $2,000. It is a tablet with a built-in scanner; the speed and accuracy of this 3D scanner are also quite good.
This is a medium-cost 3D scanner that costs $9,800. It can also be used in a professional setting. Artec Eva Lite is a valuable portable scanner for small objects, and the results are also up to the expectations.
Best Higher-end 3D Scanners
Artec Ray 3D Scanner
This 3D is a well-known higher-end 3D scanner; its price is $60,000. It is a handy scanner for professional settings; it is also small and portable.
This is also a professional 3D scanner, and it provides much better quality and fast speed. Its price is $79,900. This 3D scanner can be used to scan larger objects as well.
Creaform MetraScan 750 provides professional and accurate 3D scanning. It can cost between $50,000-$100,000. It is precise and fast, and the accuracy and resolution are also remarkable.
Here is a video on which scanners are used for prosthetics:
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, yes, 3D scanners are expensive, and unless you are not using them in a professional setting, you can go for medium-cost 3D scanners.
Although medium-cost scanners can also work in a few professional settings, their performance is quite up to mark. In comparison, low-cost scanners might not be a good choice if you actually want to have top-notch results.
The use of a 3D scanner also matters in this case; always go for the 3D scanner that is appropriate according to your use, not just price. We hope this article helped you out with this question of why “3D scanners are so expensive,” and now that you have the idea of different 3D scanners with the varying tag of prices, you can surely pick one that’s best for you. Thanks for reading!
In this 3D animation we go over the development of the human brain cortex, including formation and differentiation of nerve cells from precursor cells, migration of immature nerve cells to their eventual positions, growth of axons building a network and formation of synapses.
Review:
For the human brain to function a long process of developmental events must take place.
In four weeks the fertilized egg has turned into billions of cells which will form the nervous muscular, vascular, digestive and skeletal systems of the human body.
Within the first month the bulbous head and the arching back of the four millimeter long embryo are clearly visible.
The structures which will give rise to the brain and spinal cord are now the most developed parts of the embryo.
The brain will form from the cerebral vesicle.
The wall of the cerebral vesicle is built of columnar neural epithelium.
Divisions of these neural epithelial cells will produce neuroprogenitor cells.
They will generate neurons and glial cells of the brain cortex.
In a mitotic division the genetic material is doubled and distributed among two daughter cells.
The process is repeated resulting in growth of the diameter of the cerebral vesicle.
At 30 to 40 days some of the non-dividing cells produce processes and form a marginal zone.
Glial cells form a scaffold for neurons to migrate on and eventually form the cortical plate.
The cortical plate will become the cerebral cortex whereas the intermediate zone will transform into white matter.
Neurons that have reached the cortical plate grow and differentiate into granular and pyramidal cells and form the five layers of the cerebral cortex.
Granular and pyramidal cells form cortical minicolumns.
Neurons of a minicolumn make excitatory and inhibitory connections both within each column as well as between many columns.
Mini columns are an elementary unit of the cortical network involved in signal generation and transmission.
In a four-month-old fetus the brain context contains all major anatomical and functional subdivisions
including visual, auditory, speech and motor.
Click here for an animation on human brain anatomy as well as physiology.
Lab investigations are a crucial part of research and diagnosis. The gross and microscopic study of tissue helps understand the normal and the abnormal. Histology and pathology are two such branches of science that study any given structure under the microscope to help the examiner understand what is going on at a microscopic level.
So what is the difference between them?
Histology is the field of science where tissue is studied under the microscope to see the microscopic composition of that tissue. Pathology is the field of study where the disease process is studied. Pathology includes examining the tissues grossly (physical changes) and histologically.
Histological study of any tissue enables the examiner to see the various layers of the tissue and the different types of cells forming the tissue. A histological examination is done to study the normal microscopic structure of the tissue and to see the changes that occur in the tissue during any disease process.
Pathology is a broader subject and includes studying the physical and histological changes in the tissue to understand the disease process. The study of microscopic changes in any pathology is known as histopathology. Pathologists also perform various other tests like immunohistochemistry and molecular tests like FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization). These tests help them study the disease better, along with histological exams.
What is Histology?
Histology involves the microscopic study of any organ or tissue. It can be done for research purposes or to study a disease process in a pathology lab.
An example of a histological study is the biopsy— in which a tissue is taken out and sliced into thin sections. These thin sections are then placed on a slide for staining and visualized under the microscope. In the histological study of the biopsy sample, the different layers of the tissue with the pathological changes in them can be seen.
Histology can be done to study both the normal structures and the abnormal changes in the tissue.
Also, histology should not be confused with cytology, which is the study of cells.
In cytology, cells are studied under a microscope after preparing a smear of the cells and staining them with appropriate stains. The examples of cytological study are:
FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), which is done for breast lumps and suspected thyroid cancers, and
Pap smear– done to screen for cervical cancer.
Only cells are visualized in this study, not the layers of the tissue. If there are any pathological changes in the cells, your doctor may proceed to the next test, i.e. biopsy.
The histological study is more helpful in giving a confirmatory diagnosis. Cytology helps hint at pathology.
The cytological study is, however, less invasive and is therefore sometimes done first to see if there is an abnormality present or not. On the other hand, a biopsy is more invasive as it requires a chunk of tissue that can be obtained in a clinic with or without local anesthesia or may need surgery to get the sample– depending on the condition.
You can follow the following youtube video to see the histological view of a few different types of cells in the human body:
What is Pathology?
Pathology is a branch of medicine that studies disease processes. It includes the study of how various diseases cause changes in a particular organ, tissue, or cells and what happens because of these changes.
The biopsy is collected by the physician, surgeon, or pathologist and sent to the pathology lab for study. Slides are prepared using these samples for the assessment by the pathologist. A pathological study helps make a confirmatory diagnosis in many conditions.
A pathological examination will include the gross exam of any organ or tissue and the changes happening at a microscopic level. These changes may vary at different stages of the disease.
After studying the microscopic changes, a pathologist comes to a diagnosis of the disease. The study will also help in staging the disease (wherever applicable).
Histology, cytology, and other advanced tests like molecular tests, etc, are a part of pathological exams as all of them help the pathologist understand the disease better.
Pathological studies are essential in hospital settings to make a diagnosis and in the research sector to understand the pathological processes of new diseases.
You can see the following video to understand what a histopathologist does:
Career as a Pathologist
A pathologist is a medical doctor that specializes in pathology. They play an essential role in making a diagnosis of various illnesses. Based on the pathological findings combined with the symptoms and other findings, a diagnosis is made. Your primary physician or surgeon then plans the treatment based on the combined information.
To become a pathologist, you need to go through medical school to get your primary medical education and then pursue a residency/specialization in pathology.
Career as a Histotechnician
A histotechnician helps prepare the slides for the microscopic examination in a lab. They slice, fix, stain, and mount the specimen on a slide. The pathologist then examines this slide.
A good slide preparation is the most crucial step in a histopathological examination. Therefore, a skilled histological technician is a vital part of any lab.
A histotechnologist also performs a similar role in a lab, but their training is more advanced when compared to that of a histology technician. They learn more about the background science involved in their work. Histotechnologists are more likely to get promoted to supervisor posts further in their career and may get the responsibility to oversee others’ work in the lab.
A histotechnician can later do the certificate program to become a histotechnologist if they wish to learn more or if they desire to play more of a leadership role in the future.
It is a good option for those who don’t want to be a doctor or a nurse (i.e. those who don’t want to deal with the patients directly) but still want to be a part of medicine in some way.
There are separate certificate programs to become a histotechnician and a histotechnologist. The duration of the course varies, with the duration for the latter being longer and more advanced.
Career Opportunity in a Pathology Lab
The demand for a skilled pathologist and a skilled histotechnician is always there. Both of their skills determine an accurate diagnosis. With more and more research going on, pathologists and histotechnicians can work in a hospital, clinic, or research.
A skilled technician is a valuable addition to any lab as their skillful preparation of the slides is the first step to any diagnosis and the smooth functioning of the lab.
On the other hand, the skill of a pathologist determines accurate diagnosis in many conditions. They help physicians and surgeons see what is happening at a microscopic level in any disease. Based on their findings, the treatment is planned, and the prognosis is understood. They are essential for medical diagnosis in all the clinical branches of medicine.
With new research going on in the field of medicine– good pathologists and histotechnicians are required. They both play a crucial role in research and diagnosis.
Histology Vs Pathology: Points to Remember
So, what you need to remember is:
Histology is the microscopic study of a tissue, which enables the examiner to understand the normal microscopic composition and the abnormal microscopic changes in tissue.
Pathology is a broader field of medical science that focuses on studying the disease process and may use histological studies to understand the disease better.
In this 3D animation we go over the anatomy and physiology of the human excretory system, the kidneys, nephrons, and glomeruli.
This 3D animation of the human excretory system describes in detailed yet easy to understand language the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys, nephrons, glomerulus, and the processes of excretion, filtration, reabsorption and secretion, showing the location and anatomy of all the important structures involved, including the Bowman’s capsule, loop of Henle, pyramids and collecting ducts. USMLE test content.
Review:
The kidneys are the primary organs involved in the process of excretion. The kidneys are part of the urinary system.
The two kidneys on either side of the backbone are connected to two ureters that empty into the urinary bladder down below. The urethra is the tube at the bottom of the urinary bladder. Kidneys are bean shaped, dark red, somewhat flattened and located under the diaphragm near the back wall of the abdominal cavity. Each kidney weighs about 150 grams and is 10 cm long. The left kidney is slightly higher than the right kidney.
Kidneys filter metabolic waste out of blood and remove water. This allows the urinary system to regulate composition of fluids including salts, water, waste. The kidneys also regulate blood pressure, maintain pH. Kidneys process more than 200 liters of blood a day.
A kidney consists of:
renal sinus- cavity where you can find fat, nerves, blood vessels and renal pelvis
renal pelvis- funnel shape part of ureter that funnels urine flowing into kidney
Ureter- long tubes that move urine to urinary bladder from kidneys
outer renal Cortex- outer portion of kidney between medulla and renal capsule
inner Medulla- innermost part of kidney, divided into renal pyramids,
renal pyramids- cone shaped structures of kidney that have a striped appearance due to being made up of the nephrons Loops of Henle
A Nephron is the functional unit of kidney. Name comes from greek Nephros which stands for kidney. Nephrons are very small filters (millions tightly packed). A part of the nephron is in the cortex of kidney and part is in medulla. Nephrons are about 4cm long. The renal corpuscle is made up of cluster of a capillaries named the glomerulus and a sac like structure called the Bowmans capsule around the glomerulus. The renal tubule, the other part of the nephron that starts at the Bowmans capsule and ends at ducts of kidney is made up of 3 parts:
proximal convoluted tubule- part by bowmans capsule thats why called proximal (in cortex of kidney)
loop of henle- in renal medulla, and descending and then ascending limb
distal convoluted tubule- named because far from bowmans capsule, that one empties into the collecting duct (located in cortex of kidney)
The collecting duct is where many nephrons drain into (it is in medulla of kidney). Many
collecting ducts drain into the renal pelvis which drains into the ureter.
Thin walled capillaries run the entire length of the nephron. They bring in blood with metabolic waste.
Renal artery and vein:
The renal artery (branch of aorta) brings in unfiltered blood into kidney; filtered blood leaves via the renal vein.
An afferent vessel brings blood into the glomerulus. An efferent vessel takes blood out of glomerulus. Glomerulus comes from latin Glomeris meaning ball of yarn. The glomerulus is a ball of capillaries between afferent and efferent vessel. The ball increases surface area for filtration into the bowmans capsule.
Waste in the form of urine passes from the kidneys down the ureters into the urinary bladder where it is stored until it can be released. Pressure in the bladder from stored urine causes an urgency to release. Urine is formed through filtration, reabsorption, secretion, excretion. Items not filtered include proteins and RBCs.
Waste (uric acid, urea-nitrogenous waste) is removed from blood in the glomerulus. Urine is formed in the nephron from the glomerular filtrate.
Reabsorption occurs of some substances such as salts, excess water, amino acids, glucose that are filtered together with nitrogenous waste that are needed by body. Reabsorption occurs along proximal convoluted tubule of nephron into peritubular capillaries and back into circulation. More reabsorption happens in the loop of henle for things such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium. This is made possible by aquaporins
Secretion occurs when reabsorbed waste is secreted into blood from urine flowing through the tubes of the nephron. Secretion occurs when waste that did not get filtered goes from capillaries into proximal and distal convoluted tubule and becomes urine. Substances secreted include urea, creatine, uric acid, hydrogen, ammonium, potassium ions
Click here for an animation on human brain anatomy and physiology.
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