BRAINCAKE

Nephrons

OCR A-level BiologyHomeostasisLesson 20 of 33

    Nephrons, the filtering units, consist of the:
  • Bowman's capsule where ultrafiltration takes place
  • proximal convoluted tubule where water and other substances are selectively reabsorbed
  • Loop of Henlé where water is reabsorbed
  • distal convoluted tubule where more water is absorbed and the ion balance is regulated
  • collecting duct where water balance is finely regulated and urine passes to the ureter
Diagram

Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz

BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.

Key terms in this lesson

Ultrafiltration
The filtration of blood under high hydrostatic pressure through the basement membrane of the Bowman's capsule, producing a filtrate free of large proteins and cells.
Loop of Henle
The part of the nephron that dips into the medulla and, through a countercurrent multiplier mechanism, creates a low water potential that allows water to be reabsorbed from the filtrate.

More in Homeostasis

All 33 lessons in Homeostasis · All OCR A-level Biology topics