Understanding Kidney Structure and Function Professional

The kidneys are vital organs that filter blood, removing waste and excess fluids to form urine. Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, the functional units that filter blood. Nephrons consist of a glomerulus, where blood filtration begins, and a tubule, where waste and excess substances are turned into urine. The filtered blood returns to circulation, while urine passes through the ureters to the bladder. Key functions include regulating blood pressure, balancing electrolytes, and maintaining pH levels. Proper kidney function is essential for overall health, highlighting the importance of these organs in the body's waste management and homeostasis.