The kidneys perform several important functions, including:

  • Filtering blood to remove waste products, 排出体内的废物,如尿液,并在必要时将水和化学物质送回体内.
  • Regulating blood pressure by releasing several hormones.
  • 促红细胞生成素的通过释放促红细胞生成素激素刺激红细胞生成的.

当肾脏停止工作时,这被称为终末期肾病. 有毒废物在体内积累,病人需要透析或肾移植才能生存. Neither of these options is a cure for kidney failure, 但是,如果移植的肾脏功能成功,移植提供了最好的前景.