Final answer:
The tuft of specialized capillaries associated with a renal tubule in the renal corpuscle is the glomerulus. It is part of the nephron's filtration system, with peritubular capillaries recovering filtered solutes and water to maintain bodily fluid balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tuft of specialized capillaries associated with a renal tubule in the renal corpuscle is known as the glomerulus. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus and a surrounding Bowman's capsule, and it is located in the renal cortex.
The glomerulus is the site of blood filtration, where blood plasma is filtered based on particle size. The filtrate then moves through the renal tubule, comprising the proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct, which is surrounded by another network of capillaries known as the peritubular capillaries and vasa recta. These capillaries originate from the afferent arterioles and after filtration, the blood moves through efferent arterioles, forming the peritubular capillaries and vasa recta around the more distal parts of the nephron. The peritubular capillaries help recover solutes and water, returning them to circulation, and together with the glomerulus form a renal portal system.