Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

What is the primary role of the glomerulus in the kidney?

1. Reabsorption of nutrients

2. Filtration of blood into Bowman's capsule

3. Secretion of toxins

4. Concentration of urine

The correct answer is: Filtration of blood into Bowman's capsule

The primary role of the glomerulus in the kidney is to filter blood into Bowman's capsule, making the option identifying this process the correct choice. The glomerulus is a network of capillaries located at the beginning of each nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. It is surrounded by Bowman's capsule, where the initial filtrate from blood is collected. During the filtration process, blood enters the glomerulus under high pressure, allowing water, ions, and small molecules to pass through the capillary walls while leaving larger molecules like proteins and blood cells in circulation. This filtration process is crucial for the formation of urine, as it initiates the removal of waste products from the blood and helps maintain homeostasis. Other options describe functions that occur in different parts of the nephron. Reabsorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule, where essential substances such as glucose and amino acids are reclaimed from the filtrate. Secretion of toxins happens along the nephron, especially in the distal convoluted tubule, where substances are actively transported into the tubular fluid. Concentration of urine mainly takes place in the loop of Henle and collecting ducts, where water is reabsorbed, and the concentration gradient