On most systems, what is one of the first programs loaded on start-up (after the bootloader)?

On most systems, what is one of the first programs loaded on start-up (after the bootloader)?

• Kernel
• BIOS
• Master Boot Record
• Windows 

EXPLANATION

The kernel is a computer program that is the core of a computer's operating system, with complete control over everything in the system.[1] On most systems, it is one of the first programs loaded on start-up (after the bootloader).
It handles the rest of start-up as well as input/output requests from software, translating them into data-processing instructions for the central processing unit. It handles memory and peripherals like keyboards, monitors, printers, and speakers.

SOURCE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(operating_system)