Which of the following structures in the nephron is responsible for reabsorbing ions, water and nutrients?
Correct Answer:
Proximal tubule
Rationale:
The proximal tubule is the first segment of the nephron after the glomerulus and is primarily responsible for reabsorbing about 65% of filtered ions, water, glucose, and amino acids back into the bloodstream. It plays a vital role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
• The distal tubule fine-tunes ion reabsorption and is influenced by hormones like aldosterone.
• The glomerulus is involved in filtration, not reabsorption.
• The loop of Henle helps concentrate urine by creating a salt gradient, but it doesn’t reabsorb most nutrients.
