The discussion centers on the terminology used to describe the basolateral membrane in kidney physiology. The term "basolateral" is preferred over "basal" because it encompasses both the basal and lateral aspects of the membrane, which are crucial for the cell's function in substance transfer. This distinction is significant in epithelial cells, where the apical and basal sides have different roles. The lateral membranes enhance the surface area for transport processes, making the term "basolateral" more descriptive of the membrane's functional characteristics. Understanding this terminology is essential for accurately discussing kidney physiology and cellular function.