How much blood is filtered by the kidneys per minute?

The kidneys filter approximately 1.2 litres of blood per minute in a healthy adult. This filtration occurs in the glomeruli, where blood plasma is processed to form urine. The amount of blood filtered is referred to as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is an essential indicator of kidney function.

This measurement reflects the efficiency of the kidneys in filtering waste products, excess substances, and fluids from the bloodstream. Maintaining an approximate GFR of 1.2 litres per minute is crucial for the body's homeostasis, helping to regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and overall fluid volume.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the average GFR. For example, while 0.5 litres and 1 litre are lower than the expected rate, 1.5 litres exceeds the normal filtering capacity of the kidneys. Understanding this value helps healthcare providers assess kidney health and function in patients.