The correct answer is e. the glomerulus.
The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. It consists of several parts:
- a. the proximal convoluted tubule: This is the first segment of the renal tubule and is responsible for reabsorbing water, ions, and nutrients from the filtrate.
- b. Bowman’s capsule: This is a cup-like structure that surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate from the blood.
- c. the loop of Henle: This is a U-shaped tube that extends into the medulla of the kidney and is involved in concentrating the urine.
- d. the distal convoluted tubule: This is the final segment of the renal tubule, where further reabsorption and secretion occur to fine-tune the composition of the urine.
The glomerulus, however, is not part of the nephron itself. It is a network of capillaries located within Bowman’s capsule, where blood filtration begins. The glomerulus is essential for the filtration process, but it is not considered a part of the nephron’s tubular structure.