Nephrons
- 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

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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
- Detoxification
- Production of Bile Salts, Bile Pigments and Cholesterol
- The Kidneys
- Structure of the Kidney
- Bowman's Capsule
- Glomerulus
- Proximal Convoluted Tubule
- Loop of Henlé
All 33 lessons in Homeostasis · All OCR A-level Biology topics