What function do the kidneys perform?

The kidneys are vital organs in the human body primarily responsible for cleaning the blood and producing urine. They filter waste products and excess substances from the bloodstream, which helps maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes and fluids. This filtration process results in the formation of urine, which is then excreted from the body, allowing for the removal of toxins and waste materials.

The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and overall homeostasis within the body. This function is essential for protecting the body from the harmful buildup of substances that can lead to various health issues.

Other functions such as breathing, pumping blood, and storing food are performed by different systems in the body: the respiratory system is responsible for breathing, the circulatory system for pumping blood, and the digestive system for breaking down and storing food. Therefore, the primary role of the kidneys is accurately represented by cleaning the blood and making urine.