The kidneys have two layers - an outer cortex and inner medulla. The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron, and there are about 1 million nephrons in each kidney. The kidneys are responsible for excreting waste, maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones. Urine is formed through a filtration process in the glomeruli, followed by reabsorption and secretion in the tubules. The kidneys regulate blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system and antidiuretic hormone. They also produce erythropoietin to regulate red blood cell production and the active form of vitamin D. Common components analyzed in urine include blood, protein