What do Kidneys do?
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By Sally Robertson, BSc
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are around the size of a fist and located just below the rib cage, on each side of the spine. They are vital organs, meaning they are essential to survival.
The main function of the kidneys is to balance the composition of the blood in order to maintain good health and let the body function. Most people have two kidneys, but sometimes people are born with only one. People can survive with just one kidney.
The kidneys filter about 30 gallons of blood every day, which removes around half a gallon of waste and extra fluid. Each kidney is made up of millions of tiny filtering tubes called nephrons.
http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-do-Kidneys-do.aspx
