The kidneys are located on the back of the hips and are about the size of an average human fist (4-5 inches). Many people have been known to lose nearly 90% of kidney function without any severe consequences; however, those with total kidney failure often must have their blood filtered by machine, about once a week, during a process known as dialysis.
The primary role of the kidneys is to purify the blood; in a single day, blood may circulate via the kidneys sevenfold. The kidneys also remove wastes from the body, along with the excretory system, and regulate body fluids and electrolytes in the bloodstream. The kidney’s sole units of filtration are called nephrons, which hastily purify and replenish blood.
The byproduct of the kidney’s blood filtration process is most commonly known as urine; urine is stored in the urinary bladder and is removed from the body (as waste) via the urethra.
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