In renal anatomy, what is considered the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine?

• A. Nephron
• B. Ureter
• C. Loop of Henle
• D. Renal corpuscle

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the kidney's primary role is to filter blood and produce urine, which involves specialized structures.
2. Identify the term 'functional unit' as the smallest structure capable of performing the kidney's essential functions independently.
3. Recall that the nephron is the microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.
4. Recognize that the renal corpuscle and Loop of Henle are parts of the nephron, but not the entire functional unit themselves.
5. Conclude that among the options, the nephron is the correct answer as it encompasses all components necessary for filtration and urine formation.