The correct answer is e) glomerulus.
To understand this, it’s important to recognize that the nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. Each nephron consists of several components, including:
- a) Proximal convoluted tubule – This part is involved in reabsorbing nutrients, ions, and water from the filtrate back into the bloodstream.
- b) Bowman capsule – This is the cup-like structure that encases the glomerulus, playing a key role in the filtration of blood.
- c) Loop of Henle – This section helps concentrate urine and maintain the body’s water balance.
- d) Distal convoluted tubule – This part is involved in the further reabsorption of ions and water, and it plays a role in regulating pH.
However, the glomerulus is not a part of the nephron itself. Instead, it is a network of capillaries located within the Bowman capsule where the filtration of blood occurs. Thus, it is crucial to differentiate between the structures that comprise the nephron and those that are involved in the nephron’s function.