In the context of the nephron, what is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine?

• A. Nephron
• B. Glomerulus
• C. Ureter
• D. Renal pyramid

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the kidney's primary function is to filter blood and form urine, which involves several structures working together.
2. Identify the nephron as the microscopic functional unit of the kidney responsible for this filtration and urine formation process.
3. Recognize that within the nephron, the glomerulus is a network of capillaries where blood filtration begins, but it is only a part of the nephron.
4. Note that the ureter is a duct that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder, not involved in filtration.
5. Understand that the renal pyramid is a structural region of the kidney containing many nephrons but is not itself the functional unit.