Question

Which of the following is the functional unit of the kidney?

• A. Nephron
• B. Neuron
• C. Axon
• D. Neurilemma

Hint:

Remember to differentiate between similar-sounding biological terms. Nephron relates to the kidney (excretory system), while neuron relates to the nervous system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the fundamental structural and functional unit of the kidney.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Nephron: The nephron is the microscopic structural and functional unit of the kidney. It is responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing essential substances, secreting waste products, and forming urine. Each human kidney contains about one million nephrons.
- Neuron: A neuron is the basic functional unit of the nervous system.
- Axon: An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell (neuron) that typically conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.
- Neurilemma: This is the outermost nucleated cytoplasmic layer of Schwann cells that surrounds the axon of some nerve cells.
Based on these definitions, the nephron is clearly the functional unit of the kidney.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron.