What is the primary function of the kidneys?

The primary function of the kidneys is to filter waste from the blood. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s internal environment by regulating fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and the removal of waste products from metabolism, such as urea and creatinine. This filtration process is essential for keeping the blood clean and ensuring that harmful substances do not accumulate in the body.

The kidneys also play a role in homeostasis by adjusting the composition of the blood, which includes regulating the pH and maintaining the right levels of minerals like sodium and potassium. By filtering the blood, the kidneys produce urine, which contains the wastes and excess substances removed from the blood, ultimately allowing the body to excrete these unwanted materials.

Understanding this function highlights the kidneys' importance in overall health and the consequences if they fail, leading to the accumulation of toxins and serious health issues.