## Bing

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are part of the renal system. They have
several important functions, such as:
- Filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood and excreting them as
urine
- Regulating the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium,
in the blood
- Producing hormones that control blood pressure, red blood cell production, and
bone health
The kidneys are composed of millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons, which
consist of a glomerulus and a tubule . The glomerulus filters the blood and passes
the fluid to the tubule, where substances are either reabsorbed or secreted
depending on the body's needs . The urine then flows from the tubules to the
collecting ducts, and then to the renal pelvis, where it exits the kidney and
travels to the bladder .
The kidneys are located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage, and
are surrounded by a layer of fatty tissue called the renal capsule . The outer part
of the kidney is called the renal cortex, and the inner part is called the renal
medulla . The renal medulla contains cone-shaped structures called renal pyramids,
which contain the loops of Henle and the collecting ducts .
The kidneys are vital organs that help maintain the homeostasis of the body. They
can be affected by various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension,
kidney stones, infections, and cancer . Some of the warning signs of kidney disease
include changes in urine color or volume, swelling in the legs or feet, fatigue,
nausea, and itching. To keep your kidneys healthy, you should drink plenty of
water, eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and have regular
check-ups with your doctor.