Question

Define the following processes and describe the main areas of the nephron where each of these occurs: filtration, absorption, and secretion.

Answer 1

The nephron is responsible for filtration, absorption, and secretion in the kidney. Filtration occurs in the glomerulus, absorption occurs in the proximal tubule, and secretion occurs in the distal tubule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney and is responsible for actively filtering blood and generating urine. Three main processes occur in different parts of the nephron:

1. Filtration: This occurs in the renal corpuscle, specifically in the glomerulus. It involves the passive movement of water and solutes from the glomerular capillaries into the renal tubules.
2. Absorption: Reabsorption of water, organic compounds, and ions takes place in the proximal tubule. This process involves the active and passive transport of substances from the tubules back into the bloodstream.
3. Secretion: Secretion occurs in the distal tubule and involves the active transport of substances from the bloodstream into the tubules.