nephron

[ nef-ron ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

1. the filtering and excretory unit of the kidney, consisting of the glomerulus and tubules.

nephron

/ ˈnɛfrɒn /

noun

1. any of the minute urine-secreting tubules that form the functional unit of the kidneys

nephron

/ nĕf′rŏn /

1. The functional unit of the kidney, in which waste products are filtered from the blood and urine is produced. The nephron consists of a system of tubules in close association with a network of blood vessels. As fluid that is filtered through the glomerulus of the nephron enters the tubules, its composition is gradually changed by the absorption and secretion of solutes, and it eventually leaves the nephron as urine.
2. See more at Bowman's capsule

Word History and Origins

Origin of nephron¹

1930–35; < German; alteration of Greek nephrós kidney

Example Sentences

The team noted that although other studies have been able to create nephrons and ureteric ducts from stem cells, these didn’t fully function as they would in real kidneys due to the absence of stromal cells, which are crucial for cell signaling.

From Singularity Hub 

Stromal progenitors develop into stroma, the tissue that surrounds nephrons and ureteric ducts.

From Singularity Hub