Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

In terms of kidney function, what role do nephrons play?

1. Produce hormones

2. Filter waste products and water

3. Regulate blood pressure

4. Store nutrients

The correct answer is: Filter waste products and water

Nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys, and their primary role is to filter waste products and excess water from the bloodstream. Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons, which work tirelessly to maintain homeostasis in the body. During the filtration process, blood enters the nephron through the glomerulus, where harmful substances and waste products, including excess salts and urea, are separated from the blood. This filtrate then passes through various segments of the nephron, where essential substances such as glucose and certain ions can be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, while the remaining waste is concentrated to form urine. The importance of this role cannot be overstated, as it not only removes harmful substances but also helps regulate the body's fluid balance and electrolyte levels. This filtration and excretion process is vital for kidney function and overall health, demonstrating why the correct answer is focused on the filtration aspect of nephron function.