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Multiple Choice
Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water and solutes from the filtrate?
A
Bowman's capsule
B
Proximal convoluted tubule
C
Distal convoluted tubule
D
Collecting duct
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure and function of the nephron: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. It consists of several parts, including Bowman's capsule, the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle, the distal convoluted tubule, and the collecting duct.
Identify the role of Bowman's capsule: Bowman's capsule is the site where blood plasma is filtered to form the initial filtrate. However, it does not play a significant role in the reabsorption of water and solutes.
Examine the proximal convoluted tubule: The proximal convoluted tubule is the first segment of the nephron after Bowman's capsule. It is primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water, ions (e.g., sodium, potassium), and nutrients (e.g., glucose, amino acids) from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.
Compare the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct: The distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct are involved in fine-tuning the composition of urine, including selective reabsorption and secretion. However, they are not the primary sites for reabsorbing the majority of water and solutes.
Conclude that the proximal convoluted tubule is the correct answer: Based on its function, the proximal convoluted tubule is the part of the nephron primarily responsible for the reabsorption of water and solutes from the filtrate.