DCT full form in biology:
- In biology, DCT stands for Distal Convoluted Tubule.
- It is a part of the nephron which is the functional unit of the kidney.
| Aspect | Description |
| Location | · Located in the renal cortex of the kidney |
| Function | · Selective reabsorption of ions such as sodium, chloride, calcium and water from the filtrate. |
| Reabsorption of electrolytes | · Reabsorbs sodium, and varying amounts of other electrolytes and water |
| Hormonal Regulation | · Controlled by hormones such as aldosterone and ADH |
| Role in Acid-Base Balance | · Reabsorbs bicarbonate ions and excreting hydrogen ions as needed. |
| Role in Blood Pressure | · DCT reabsorbs sodium and water thus can influence blood pressure regulation. |
| Role in body pH balance | · Helps to secretes excess potassium ions and hydrogen ions into the filtrate, which are then excreted in the urine thus helps to regulate body’s pH balance. |
| Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) | · Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System influence DCT with their hormones and regulates blood pressure. · When blood pressure is low, the kidneys release renin, leading to the production of angiotensin II and aldosterone, which promote sodium and water reabsorption in the DCT, leading to rise in blood pressure. |
COMPARISON OF DCT WITH PCT
| Aspect | Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) | Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) |
| Location | Located in the renal cortex, after the Loop of Henle. | Located in the renal cortex, near to the glomerulus. |
| Function | Selective reabsorption of ions (e.g., sodium, chloride, calcium) | Reabsorbs most of the filtered water, glucose, amino acids, and ions. |
| Filtrate Processing Time | Processes the filtrate after passing through the Loop of Henle. | Processes the filtrate immediately after leaving the glomerulus. |
| Water Reabsorption | Reabsorbs about 5-10% of filtered water. | Reabsorbs about 65% of filtered water. |
| Ions Reabsorption | Reabsorbs sodium, chloride, and calcium based on hormonal regulation. | Helps to reabsorbs a significant amount of sodium, chloride, and other ions. |
| Hormonal Regulation | Controlled by hormones such as aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone | Not as influenced by hormonal control. |
| Reabsorption of Nutrients and Waste | Reabsorbs some ions and waste products, but not as extensively as the PCT. | Reabsorbs many essential nutrients and some waste products. |
| Interaction with Afferent and Efferent Arterioles | Interacts with the afferent and efferent arterioles, the Loop of Henle, and the collecting ducts. | Connected to the glomerulus via the afferent and efferent arterioles. |