BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main purpose of the nephron in the kidney is to filter blood. Each nephron is a functional unit that plays a critical role in the process of urine formation. It begins with the glomerulus, where blood is filtered through a semi-permeable membrane, allowing waste products and excess substances to pass into the renal tubule while retaining blood cells and large proteins in circulation.

While producing urine is also a key function of the nephron, it is secondary to the filtration process. Urine production involves several stages, including filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Therefore, the initial and fundamental action of the nephron is to filter the blood to create the filtrate that will eventually form urine.

The regulation of blood sugar is not a function of the nephron; this is primarily managed by the liver and pancreas. Similarly, nutrient absorption doesn't occur in the nephron; that process mainly happens in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the primary role of the nephron in the kidney is accurately reflected in its ability to filter blood, setting the foundation for subsequent processes involved in urine formation.