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

• A. Nephron
• B. Renal pelvis
• 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 produce urine, which involves several anatomical structures working together.
2. Identify the nephron as the microscopic functional unit within the kidney responsible for this filtration and urine formation process.
3. Recognize that the nephron consists of components such as the glomerulus (where blood filtration begins) and the renal tubule (where filtrate is processed into urine).
4. Differentiate the nephron from other kidney structures listed: the renal pelvis (a funnel for urine collection), the ureter (a tube transporting urine to the bladder), and the renal pyramid (a structural region containing many nephrons).
5. Conclude that the nephron is the correct answer because it directly performs the essential functions of filtering blood and forming urine.