Identify the nephron and its associated vessels
Locate the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule, tubules, loop of Henle and collecting duct.
A Level; Cambridge International Biology 9700, 2028–2030. Written answers are self-checked; this is not a practical skills certification.
Before you begin
- A control system detects a change, communicates information and changes an effector response.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which structure encloses the glomerulus?
What you will learn
- Identify the six required nephron structures
- Relate glomerulus and Bowman’s capsule to the beginning of urine formation
Nephron filtration and flow
| Feature | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Filtration | Glomerulus → Bowman’s capsule |
| Tubule | Proximal tubule → loop → distal tubule |
| Drainage | Collecting duct receives nephron fluid |
Build the explanation
Blood enters the glomerulus, a capillary network enclosed by Bowman’s capsule. The filtrate then passes through the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle and distal convoluted tubule before reaching the collecting duct. Associated vessels supply and drain the nephron. A simplified diagram lays out a long tubule in a compact shape; the nephron is a continuous tubular pathway.
Apply the limits
The glomerulus is a capillary network and Bowman’s capsule surrounds it. The collecting duct receives fluid from distal tubules; it is not the renal pelvis. Diagrams are not to scale.
Pause and explain
A learner labels the collecting duct as the renal pelvis. Explain the difference.
Worked example
Put the named filtrate route in order from the glomerulus.
Show the worked solution
- Filtrate enters Bowman’s capsule.
- It passes through proximal tubule, loop, distal tubule and collecting duct.
Answer Glomerulus → Bowman’s capsule → proximal convoluted tubule → loop of Henle → distal convoluted tubule → collecting duct.
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Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
State the route of filtrate after it enters Bowman’s capsule.
Give me a hint
Name the relevant structure or signal, then state its effect.
Compare my reasoning
- Follow the continuous tubule.
- The route continues through proximal tubule, loop, distal tubule, then collecting duct.
Bowman’s capsule → proximal convoluted tubule → loop of Henle → distal convoluted tubule → collecting duct.
Look for these in your work
- Correct mechanism
- Direction of response explained
A photomicrograph labels a capillary tuft inside a cup-shaped structure. Name both parts.
Give me a hint
Separate the observed change from the body's response.
Compare my reasoning
- The capillary tuft is the glomerulus.
- The surrounding cup-shaped structure is Bowman’s capsule.
The capillary tuft is the glomerulus, enclosed by Bowman’s capsule.
Look for these in your work
- Evidence interpreted
- Control step identified
A learner labels the collecting duct as the renal pelvis. Explain the difference.
Give me a hint
Apply the mechanism to the new context without claiming more than the evidence shows.
Compare my reasoning
- The collecting duct is part of the nephron drainage route.
- The renal pelvis is a larger kidney region that collects urine before the ureter.
The collecting duct receives filtrate from distal tubules. Urine later drains into the renal pelvis, which collects it before it enters the ureter.
Look for these in your work
- New context applied
- Limits preserved
Common mistakes
- Calling the glomerulus a tubule
- Skipping Bowman’s capsule in the filtrate route
What can you explain now?
Which structure encloses the glomerulus?
Compare with the explanation
Bowman’s capsule
Glomerular filtrate enters Bowman’s capsule.
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Make it stick
What sequence does filtrate follow through a nephron?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.