Question

what plays a major role in the loss of kidney function with age?
a kidneys shrink in size
b fewer functioning nephrons
c vascular changes in the glomerulus

Explanation:

To determine the major factor in age - related kidney function loss:

• Option A: Kidney size shrinkage is a result or associated change, not the main cause of function loss.
• Option B: Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney. With age, the number of functioning nephrons decreases, directly impacting the kidney's ability to filter blood and perform its functions, so this is the major factor.
• Option C: Vascular changes in the glomerulus are part of age - related changes but not the primary driver of overall kidney function loss compared to the reduction in functioning nephrons.

Answer:

B. Fewer functioning nephrons