What is the functional unit of the kidney called?

The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. Each nephron is responsible for the filtration of blood and the formation of urine. It consists of several structures, including the renal corpuscle, which is made up of the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, as well as the renal tubule. The nephron plays a critical role in regulating fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and waste removal from the blood, which are essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

In contrast, while the glomerulus is a key component of the nephron involved in filtering blood, it is not the entire functional unit itself. The renal corpuscle refers specifically to the portion that encompasses the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, rather than the nephron as a whole. The collecting duct is involved in the final concentration of urine, but it is just one part of the nephron's extended system and does not represent the unit of function by itself. Therefore, the nephron is recognized as the complete functional unit of the kidney, integrating all necessary processes for urine production and homeostasis.