Which is the functional unit of the kidneys?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Nephrons are the microscopic structural and functional units of the kidney, as stated in physiological texts.
Each nephron is responsible for the entire process of urine formation, which involves filtering blood, reabsorbing necessary substances, and secreting waste products.
A single kidney contains approximately 800,000 to 1 million nephrons, highlighting their fundamental role in renal function.
The nephron consists of a glomerulus for filtration and a long tubule for processing the filtrate.

Option B: Neurons are the primary functional units of the nervous system, not the renal system.
Option C: Nerve Cells is a synonym for neurons. They belong to the nervous system and are involved in transmitting nerve impulses.
Option D: Nerve Fibres are components of a neuron (specifically, the axon). They are part of the nervous system's structure for signal conduction, not the kidney's functional unit.

Visual 1: Diagram: The structure of a nephron. A clear illustration labeling the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, Loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct to help visualize the path of filtrate and the sites of reabsorption and secretion.
Visual 2: Infographic: Comparison of cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons. This visual can highlight the structural differences and their respective roles in urine concentration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functional unit of the kidney as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding nephron function is crucial for nurses to manage conditions like Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), and to interpret renal function tests such as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and serum creatinine levels.
Many medications are nephrotoxic (harmful to the kidneys). Nurses must be aware of these drugs (e.g., certain antibiotics, NSAIDs) and monitor renal function closely in patients receiving them to prevent damage to the nephrons.
Patient education regarding lifestyle modifications for conditions like hypertension and diabetes is a key nursing role, as these diseases are leading causes of nephron damage and kidney failure.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question stem: 'functional unit' and 'kidneys'.
This is a direct factual recall question from the subject of anatomy and physiology.
Scan the options. Your goal is to match the organ (kidney) with its known functional unit.
Recall or deduce that 'Nephron' is the term associated with the kidney.
Eliminate the other options by recognizing that 'Neuron', 'Nerve Cell', and 'Nerve Fibre' are all terms related to the nervous system, making them incorrect for a question about the renal system.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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