What are the kidneys and why are they important?
The human body has two kidneys. Each kidney is about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. Each kidney has about 1.5 million filters, called nephrons. Nephrons remove waste and extra fluid from blood in the form of urine. The urine flows through two tubes, called ureters, to the bladder. The urine is stored there until it is passed during urination. The waste comes from the breakdown of food eaten and medicine taken, plus normal muscle and organ activity.
