The functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine is the:
- A.Nephron
- B.Glomerulus
- C.Renal pelvis
- D.Loop of Henle
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
A. Nephron
Rationale
A is correct: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains approximately 1 million nephrons, and each nephron contains a glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct. B is incorrect: The glomerulus is a component of the nephron responsible for filtration, but it is a part of the functional unit, not the entire unit itself. C is incorrect: The renal pelvis is a collecting structure that funnels urine into the ureter; it is not a filtering unit. D is incorrect: The loop of Henle is a segment of the nephron responsible for concentrating urine, but it is one part of the functional unit.
Key concepts