What is the functional unit of the kidney known as?

The functional unit of the kidney is known as the nephron. Each nephron is responsible for filtering blood, reabsorbing essential nutrients, and excreting waste products through urine formation. Structurally, a nephron consists of several parts, including the glomerulus, where filtration takes place, and the renal tubule, where reabsorption and secretion occur. The nephron plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance in the body.

In contrast to the nephron, the cortex and medulla refer to different regions within the kidney. The kidney cortex is the outermost layer that houses the renal corpuscles and portions of the renal tubules, while the medulla contains the renal pyramids and is involved in concentrating urine. The pelvis is a funnel-like structure that collects urine from the collecting ducts and channels it into the ureter, but it does not play a direct role in the kidney's filtering function. Therefore, understanding that the nephron is the primary unit that performs the kidney's essential functions underscores its pivotal role in renal physiology.