Question

What is the primary function of Bowman’s capsule in nephron?

Hint:

The Bowman’s capsule is the first part of the nephron where blood filtration occurs, leading to the formation of urine.

Answer 1

The primary function of the Bowman's capsule in the nephron is filtration of blood to form urine.

Explanation:

• Filtration: The Bowman's capsule, which is the cup-shaped structure at the beginning of the nephron, surrounds the glomerulus (a network of capillaries). The primary role of the Bowman's capsule is to collect the filtrate from the blood that is filtered through the walls of the glomerulus.
• Structure of the Bowman's Capsule: The Bowman's capsule is composed of two layers — the outer parietal layer and the inner visceral layer. The inner layer is in direct contact with the glomerulus and contains podocytes that help filter the blood.
• Filtration Process: Blood from the renal artery enters the glomerulus under high pressure. As the blood flows through the capillaries, small molecules like water, ions, glucose, amino acids, and urea are filtered into the Bowman's capsule. Larger molecules, like proteins and blood cells, are retained in the bloodstream.
• Filtrate Formation: The filtered liquid collected in the Bowman's capsule is called the filtrate, which contains waste products and useful substances like glucose and ions that will later be reabsorbed or excreted, depending on the body's needs.

Subsequent steps:

• After filtration in the Bowman's capsule, the filtrate moves through the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and finally the collecting duct, where reabsorption of water and necessary solutes occurs, and waste is concentrated into urine.

In summary, the Bowman's capsule plays a crucial role in the initial step of blood filtration in the kidneys, which is essential for waste removal and maintaining homeostasis in the body.