A bean-shaped organ that filters blood to produce urine while regulating fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.
Structure
Each kidney is about 12 centimeters long. Internally it has an outer cortex containing the glomeruli, a medulla arranged into pyramids, and a central pelvis that funnels urine into the ureter.
Function
Roughly 180 liters of plasma filter through the nephrons each day. Most of this is reabsorbed; only about 1.5 liters becomes urine, fine-tuned to maintain stable blood composition.
Hormones
The kidney secretes renin, which regulates blood pressure, and erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
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