Kidney Facts
How do the kidneys work? Where are they located? What do they do?
Find the answers to these and a lot more, by selecting the relevant topic below. These basic kidney facts offer insights into the vital role of the kidney, in regulating the body's chemistry and supporting other important biological systems.
Kidneys - Overview
The primary function of the kidneys is to remove harmful toxins from the blood and expel them from the body, via the urine. They are also responsible for performing some other very important functions such as regulating blood pressure, producing some vital hormones and regulating certain other biological functions.
Kidney Anatomy
Kidneys have a very distinct shape and color. They are bean-shaped and dark-red in color. In fact, they look very similar to red kidney beans.
Some components can be seen with the naked eye but others are very tiny and can only be observed with a microscope.
Kidney Function
The primary function of the kidney is to continuously remove nitrogenous wastes (mainly urea) from the body.
Every day, the kidneys process about 200 quarts (190 liters) of blood and filters out waste products.
Urinary System
The urinary system is an organ system that is responsible for extracting waste components from the blood and expelling them from the body, in the form of urine.
The kidneys are the major organs of the urinary system.
