After traveling through the proximal convoluted tubule, glomerular filtrate enters which of the following nephron components?

A. Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is a plasma protein involved in blood clotting. It is converted into fibrin during the clotting process, helping to form blood clots and prevent excessive bleeding. It does not significantly contribute to colloid osmotic pressure.

B. Albumin: Albumin is the primary plasma protein responsible for maintaining colloid osmotic pressure, which helps regulate the movement of fluids between blood vessels and tissues. It is crucial in keeping fluid within the bloodstream and preventing edema.

C. Globulins: Globulins are a group of plasma proteins that include antibodies and transport proteins. They play various roles in immune response and transport but are not primarily responsible for colloid osmotic pressure.

D. Prothrombin: Prothrombin is another plasma protein involved in the clotting process, specifically in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. It does not contribute to colloid osmotic pressure.

A. Ligand: A ligand is a molecule that binds to a receptor, often triggering a biological response within the cell. While ligands play a crucial role in signaling pathways and cellular communication, they do not directly facilitate the passage of ions across the cell membrane.

B. Receptor: Receptors are integral proteins that bind to specific molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, to initiate a cellular response. Although they are involved in cell signaling and can trigger the opening of ion channels, receptors themselves do not allow ions to pass into or out of the cell.

C. Channel: Channel proteins are integral membrane proteins that form pores in the cell membrane, allowing specific ions or molecules to pass through. These channels can be selective for certain ions (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or chloride. and are crucial for maintaining the cell's electrochemical gradient and facilitating cellular processes.

D. Peripheral: Peripheral proteins are associated with the surface of the cell membrane and are not embedded within the lipid bilayer. They typically serve as enzymes, anchors, or signaling molecules and do not form channels or pores for ion transport across the membrane.