The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the abdomen that filter waste from the blood to produce urine. They remove waste, salt, and excess water from the bloodstream. When the kidneys detect a buildup of waste in the blood, they signal the brain that it is time to urinate. Kidney diseases can occur if the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter properly, leading to waste buildup in the blood. Common diseases include kidney stones, nephritis (kidney inflammation), and kidney malfunction (kidney failure).