Which vessel supplies blood to the nephron?

• A. Efferent arteriole
• B. Peritubular capillary
• C. Renal vein
• D. Afferent arteriole

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the nephron. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. It consists of structures such as the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, and associated tubules.
2. Step 2: Identify the role of the afferent arteriole. The afferent arteriole is the blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood into the glomerulus, a network of capillaries where filtration occurs.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between the afferent and efferent arterioles. The afferent arteriole brings blood into the glomerulus, while the efferent arteriole carries blood away from the glomerulus after filtration.
4. Step 4: Clarify the roles of other vessels mentioned. The peritubular capillaries are involved in reabsorption and secretion processes around the nephron tubules, and the renal vein carries filtered blood away from the kidney back to the systemic circulation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the afferent arteriole is the vessel responsible for supplying blood to the nephron, specifically to the glomerulus for filtration.