In the context of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney is known as the:

• A. Ureter
• B. Renal pelvis
• C. Renal cortex
• D. Nephron

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the kidney and its components. The kidney is composed of several parts including the renal cortex, renal medulla, renal pelvis, and ureter.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the nephron is the microscopic functional unit within the kidney responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between the terms: the ureter is a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder; the renal pelvis is a funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the nephrons; the renal cortex is the outer layer of the kidney where many nephrons are located.
4. Step 4: Identify that the nephron itself is the specific structure that performs the essential functions of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion to produce urine.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options given, the nephron is the correct answer as it is the functional unit of the kidney.