Describe the structure of the nephron and the role of each component

The renal corpuscle is composed of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. Filtration occurs at the glomerulus, and filtrate is collected at the Bowman's capsule. A basement membrane lies between the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule; podocytes around the glomerulus allow filtration here. The afferent arteriole brings blood to the glomerulus, and the efferent arteriole removes blood from the nephron.The proximal convoluted tubule comes next and is involved in the selective reabsorption of water, ions and all organic nutrients.The loop of Henle consists of a descending limb where there is further reabsorption of water, and an ascending limb where both sodium and chloride ions are reabsorbed. An osmotic gradient is set up in the renal medulla.The distal convoluted tubule secretes ions, acids, drugs and toxins. There is selective reabsorption of water, sodium ions and calcium ions.The collecting duct variably reabsorbs water, and reabsorbs or secretes sodium, potassium, hydrogen and bicarbonate ions. Osmoregulation occurs here, influenced by the action of ADH and the insertion of aquaporins into the collecting duct membrane.