What is the filtration unit of the kidney? 

The Correct answer is Nephron.

Key Points

• The nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney.
• It is responsible for the filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion of waste products and excess substances from the blood.
• Each kidney contains millions of nephrons, which contribute to maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
• The nephron consists of the following parts:
  • Bowman's Capsule: Encapsulates the glomerulus and facilitates filtration.
  • Glomerulus: A cluster of capillaries that filters blood to remove waste.
  • Proximal Convoluted Tubule: Reabsorbs essential nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and ions.
  • Loop of Henle: Concentrates urine by reabsorbing water and salts.
  • Distal Convoluted Tubule: Adjusts the composition of filtrate by secreting ions and reabsorbing water.
  • Collecting Duct: Finalizes urine composition and transports it to the renal pelvis.
• Nephrons play a critical role in regulating blood pressure through mechanisms like the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS).
• They also help maintain the body's acid-base balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions.
• The health of nephrons is essential for preventing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI).

 Additional Information

• Neuron
  • A neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.
  • It consists of three main parts: cell body, dendrites, and axon.
  • Neurons are not involved in filtration processes; their function is in communication between the brain and other parts of the body.
• Seminiferous tubule
  • Seminiferous tubules are located in the testes and are involved in the production of sperm cells.
  • They are not related to the kidney or filtration functions.
• Sperm
  • Sperm is the male reproductive cell, produced in the testes.
  • It has no role in kidney filtration or the excretion of waste products.