Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) refers to the convoluted segment of the nephron situated among Bowman’s capsule and the loop of Henle, whilst Distal convoluted tubule (DCT) refers to the convoluted portion of the nephron located seen between the collecting duct and the loop of Henle.
Here are some of the main differences between them to help you understand how both differ:
PCT Vs DCT:
PCT:
The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) refers to the convoluted portion of the nephron between Bowman’s capsule and the loop of Henle.
The majority of electrolyte and water reabsorption (65%) occurs at PCT. A straightforward cuboidal epithelium makes up the PCT lumen.
The reabsorption is boosted by the microvilli that are present in the epithelium because they enhance the surface area of the lumen.
Most significant molecules, including lactate, citrate, glucose, amino acids, and phosphate ions, are absorbable during the early PCT.
Due to the resorption of bicarbonates and other negative ions during the early PCT, chloride ions are much more concentrated in the filtrate.
Late PCT is when chloride ions are reabsorbed than DCT.
DCT:
The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is the convoluted portion of the nephron between both the loop of Henle and the collecting duct.
The DCT epithelial cells are more delicately colored and smaller. Although the simple cuboidal epithelium lines the lumen of the DCT, microvilli are absent from this epithelium.
The DCT’s primary job is to secrete, however, some of the molecules in the DCT are also reabsorbed from the filtrate.
Every nephron component secretes and reabsorbs substances. The residual 3% of sodium ions are recycled back in the late DCT, whereas only 5% of sodium ions are reabsorbed in the initial DCT.
Aldosterone, a hormone, controls how much sodium is reabsorption in the DCT. The sodium/potassium pump is in charge of calcium and chloride reabsorption.
What is the Difference between PCT and DCT?
The Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT) collects primary urine from the glomerulus whereas DCT gets urine from the glomerulus.
Let’s discuss the difference between them as follows.
| PCT | DCT |
| The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) is the region of the nephron that is convoluted between both the Bowman capsule and the loop of Henle. | The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is the convoluted region of the nephron between both the loop of Henle and the collecting duct. |
| PCT starts at the Bowman capsule. | DCT starts with the Henle loop. |
| PCT and the Henle loop are continuous. | The DCT runs parallel to the collecting duct. |
| The PCT lumen is made up of simple cuboidal epithelium with microvilli. | Simple cuboidal epithelium lacking microvilli makes up the DCT lumen. |
| More acidophilic than PCT. | Less acidophilic is DCT. |
| The PCTs borders and lumen are readily discernible. | Less may be seen in the DCTs boundaries and luminosity. |
| More cytoplasm can be found in the epithelial cells of the PCT. | The epithelial cells of the DCT have much less cytoplasm. |
| The nucleus of the PCT’s epithelial cells cannot be easily seen. | The DCT epithelial cells have a clearly visible nucleus. |
| It takes a long time to complete PCT. | The PCT is longer than the DCT. |
| PCT is more complicated than DCT. | It is less complicated than the PCT. |
| The PCT is analogous to the Henle descending limb loop. | DCT is analogous to the ascending limb of the Henle loop. |
| The PCT’s primary purpose is absorption. | The DCT’s primary job is secretion. |
| Water and electrolytes including salt, calcium, and chloride are absorbable by DCT. | Water and electrolytes including salt, calcium, and chloride are absorbable by DCT. |
| The PCT is secreted with uric acid, creatinine, antibiotics, and diuretics. | Ammonia, hydrogen, and potassium ions are secreted by the DCT. |
Conclusion:
After reading this article you learned a lot about the differences between them.
In the renal cortex, a nephron’s two tangled components are called PCT and DCT. The Bowman’s capsule is followed by PCT, and the Henle loop is followed by DCT.
While DCT is where secretion happens, PCT is mostly engaged in reabsorption.
• Section Under Diff
