In the context of the nephron, what is the basic functional unit of the kidney?

• A. Renal pelvis
• B. Glomerulus
• C. Collecting duct
• D. Nephron

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the kidney and its components. The kidney is made up of many microscopic units called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.
2. Step 2: Identify the role of each option given: the renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the nephrons; the glomerulus is a network of capillaries within the nephron where filtration begins; the collecting duct is a tube that collects urine from multiple nephrons and transports it to the renal pelvis.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the nephron itself is the complete functional unit, consisting of the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct segments.
4. Step 4: Understand that the nephron performs all the essential processes of filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion, making it the basic functional unit of the kidney.
5. Step 5: Conclude that while the glomerulus, collecting duct, and renal pelvis are important parts, the nephron as a whole is the fundamental unit responsible for kidney function.