Cortical and Juxtamedullary nephrons

Feature

Cortical Nephrons

Juxtamedullary Nephrons

Location

Located in the renal cortex

Located near the
corticomedullary junction

Percentage

About 85% of total
nephrons

About 15% of total
nephrons

Loop of
Henle

Shorter loop of Henle,
extending minimally into
the medulla

Longer loop of Henle,
extending deep into
the medulla

Vasa Recta

Absent or poorly
developed

Well-developed and
associated with the
nephron

Primary
Function

Responsible for filtration
and excretion

Plays a crucial role in
concentrating urine

Peritubular 
Capillary
Network

Large

Small

Feature

Vasa Recta

Peritubular Capillaries

Origin

Efferent arteriole of

juxtamedullary nephrons

Efferent arteriole of

cortical nephrons

Location

Runs parallel to loop of Henle,
deep in renal medulla

Surrounds PCT & DCT in
renal cortex

Structure

Long, hairpin-shaped capillaries

Dense network of capillaries

Function

Maintains medullary osmotic

gradient via countercurrent
exchange

Facilitates reabsorption and

secretion b/w blood & tubular
fluid

Flow
characteristics

Slow blood flow, allows
equilibrium with medullary
interstitium

High surface area for exchange,

relatively faster flow

Role in

urine

concentration

Essential for concentration of
urine by preserving
hyperosmolarity of medulla

Returns reabsorbed solutes (Na+,

glucose, amino acids) and water

to systemic circulation

Presence

Only in juxtamedullary
nephrons

Mainly in cortical nephrons, but
also around cortical segments of
juxtamedullary nephrons