1. Filtration: Kidneys filter waste products, toxins, and excess ions from the bloodstream to produce urine.
2. Regulation of Water and Electrolytes: Kidneys regulate the balance of water, sodium, potassium, chloride, and other electrolytes in the body to maintain homeostasis.
3. Regulation of Blood Pressure: Kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling the volume and composition of bodily fluids.
4. Production of Hormones: Kidneys produce important hormones such as erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells, and renin, which regulates blood pressure.
5. Vitamin D Activation: Kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, which is essential for calcium and bone metabolism.
6. Acid-Base Balance: Kidneys help maintain the body's pH balance by regulating the excretion of hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions.
7. Regulation of Blood pH: Kidneys help regulate blood pH by excreting or retaining hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions.
8. Production of Urine: Kidneys produce urine, which carries metabolic waste products and excess water out of the body.