Multiple Choice
Which structure is the structural and functional unit of the kidney?
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25. The Urinary System
The Nephron
Multiple Choice
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
Verified step by step guidance1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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