What internal organ is primarily affected by nephrotoxins?

Nephrotoxins are substances that are harmful to the kidneys and can lead to kidney damage or failure. The primary function of the kidneys includes filtering waste products from the blood, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining electrolyte levels. When nephrotoxins enter the body, they can disrupt these critical functions, leading to a range of health issues, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or even the cessation of kidney function.

Since nephrotoxins target the kidneys specifically, the damage they cause directly affects the organ's ability to perform its essential tasks. This distinction is key in understanding why the kidneys are the organs primarily impacted by nephrotoxins compared to other organs like the liver, lungs, or heart, which are affected by different types of toxins or have different roles in the body’s overall function.