State the exact location of the following structures:
Proximal convoluted tubule
Topic: Location of the proximal convoluted tubule
Answer
In the CORTEX of the kidney, BETWEEN the Malpighian capsule and the loop of Henle.
The order along a nephron: BOWMAN’S CAPSULE → PROXIMAL convoluted tubule → LOOP OF HENLE → DISTAL convoluted tubule → collecting duct.
THE WORDS SETTLE THE POSITION: PROXIMAL means NEAR and DISTAL means FAR — near to and far from the Bowman’s capsule. You need not memorise the sequence if you read the names.
MOST SELECTIVE REABSORPTION happens in the proximal tubule: ALL the glucose and amino acids, and much of the water and salts, are recovered here. That is why glucose does not normally appear in urine at all.
Both convoluted tubules lie in the CORTEX; only the LOOP OF HENLE dips into the MEDULLA.