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What are kidneys and what is their function?

Date: July 15th, 2024
Category: General knowledge

The kidneys, or ren, are paired organs responsible for the continuous production of urine. Over 80% of metabolic waste products are eliminated from the body through urine. The kidneys play a crucial role in water-salt balance, regulating the amount of extracellular fluid and maintaining acid-base equilibrium in the body. Approximately 1-1.5 liters of urine are produced daily.

The kidneys also produce various hormones, including renin and prostaglandins, which regulate blood pressure and fluid volume; vitamin D3 (also a hormone), which influences bone strength; and erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Consequently, when the kidneys are weak, changes occur in all body systems.

The kidneys are approximately 12 x 6 x 4 centimeters in size.

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