Which nephron component is primarily involved in filtration and lies in the cortex?

Which nephron component is primarily involved in filtration and lies in the cortex?

• A. Loop of Henle
• B. Glomerulus
• C. Distal convoluted tubule
• D. Collecting duct

Answer: (B)

Filtration happens at the glomerulus, the filtering unit of the nephron, which sits in the renal cortex. Blood enters through the afferent arteriole and is filtered across the glomerular capillary walls—endothelium, basement membrane, and podocyte slit diaphragms—into Bowman's capsule, forming the filtrate that moves into the proximal tubule. The Loop of Henle is mainly about creating the medullary osmotic gradient and lies largely in the medulla. The distal convoluted tubule performs reabsorption and secretion in the cortex, not filtration. The collecting duct concentrates urine and travels into the medulla. So the glomerulus is the primary filtration site located in the cortex.

Filtration happens at the glomerulus, the filtering unit of the nephron, which sits in the renal cortex. Blood enters through the afferent arteriole and is filtered across the glomerular capillary walls—endothelium, basement membrane, and podocyte slit diaphragms—into Bowman's capsule, forming the filtrate that moves into the proximal tubule. The Loop of Henle is mainly about creating the medullary osmotic gradient and lies largely in the medulla. The distal convoluted tubule performs reabsorption and secretion in the cortex, not filtration. The collecting duct concentrates urine and travels into the medulla. So the glomerulus is the primary filtration site located in the cortex.