What is the basic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration?

The nephron is the basic functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration, as well as for the regulation of water, electrolytes, and waste products in the blood. Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons, which work collectively to filter blood and produce urine.

The nephron consists of several key components, including the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule. The glomerulus is a network of capillaries where blood filtration begins, while Bowman's capsule surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate that is produced. However, these structures are parts of the nephron itself, not individual functional units.

The renal corpuscle, which includes both the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, is a specific component of the nephron and also plays a critical role in the filtration process. Nevertheless, the nephron encompasses both the filtration process and subsequent operations, thus solidifying its status as the fundamental functional unit of the kidney.

By identifying the nephron as the foundational structure, one can appreciate its significance in maintaining homeostasis through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion, ultimately leading to urine formation.