Proximal Tubule
The proximal tubule is a crucial part of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. It is responsible for reabsorbing a significant portion of the filtered water, electrolytes, and nutrients from the urine back into the bloodstream. This process helps maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
Located between the Bowman's capsule and the loop of Henle, the proximal tubule consists of two segments: the proximal convoluted tubule and the straight proximal tubule. Cells in this region have numerous microvilli, which increase the surface area for absorption, making the proximal tubule highly efficient in reclaiming essential substances.