What is the basic functional unit of the kidney?

The nephron is recognized as the basic functional unit of the kidney. Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, and each nephron is responsible for filtering blood, removing waste products, and regulating fluids and electrolytes.

The nephron is composed of several key components, including the glomerulus, renal tubule (which includes the proximal tubule, Loop of Henle, and distal tubule), and collecting duct. The glomerulus specifically is responsible for the initial filtration of blood, but it is only one part of the nephron. The Loop of Henle and collecting duct play important roles in the reabsorption of water and solutes, but they do not encompass the full range of functions performed by the nephron as a whole.

Thus, while each of the other components is crucial to kidney function, it is the nephron that serves as the complete unit that carries out all essential kidney activities.