The terms PCT and DCT means Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) and the Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) have many differences between them. Before knowing about PCT and DCT, we have to no about nephron. Nephron is the structural and functional unit of kidney. it has two main parts called Malpighian body and renal tubule. The renal tubule consists of three parts, they are as follows
⦿ First or proximal convoluted tubule
⦿ Loop of Henle (U shaped)
⦿ Second or Distal Convoluted Tubule.
PROXIMAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE (PCT)
The proximal portion of the renal tubule which is present in the form of many coils is called as Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT). Glucose, amino acids, Vitamin-c , Potassium, calcium, sodium chloride, 75% of water, etc, are the substances reabsorbed into peritubular network from Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) .
DISTAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE (DCT)
The distal portion of the renal tubule which is present in the form of many coils is called as Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT). Urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, potassium, hydrogen ions are secreted into Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT). The Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) opens into a collecting tube.
LOOP OF HENLE (U shaped)
The middle U-shaped portion of the renal tubule present between the Proximal and Distal Convoluted Tubules is called as Loop of Henle. The Loop of Henle lies in the Medulla of the kidney.
Difference between PCT and DCT:
| PROXIMAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE | DISTAL CONVOLUTED TUBULE |
|---|---|
| The cells present in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) have brush border which is capable of absorption. | Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) is the highly coiled part found in the medulla of the kidney. |
| URINE | |
| Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) receives primary urine from glomerulus. | Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) receives urine from the glomerulus. |
| RESULTS IN | |
| PCT regulates excretion of urine by absorbing excess water from primary urine. | In DCT, water and salts are secreted. |
| FUNCTION | |
| A small amount of tubular secretion also takes place in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT). | The secretion of wastes of ions takes place in the Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT). |
| OTHERS | |
| The substances which are reabsorbed into peritubular network from PCT are glucose, amino acid's, vitamin-c, potassium, Calcium, sodium chloride, 75% of water, etc. | The substances like urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, potassium, hydrogen ions are secreted into DCT. |
CONCLUSION:
The PCT and DCT and the Loop of Henle are the main parts of the renal tubule which is the part of the nephron. Nephrons are located in the inner medullary zone of internal kidney. Each kidney is made up of approximately more than 1 million nephrons.
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