In which part of the body is hemodialysis typically performed?

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function effectively. The process involves using an external dialysis machine to filter the blood, which typically requires access to a patient's bloodstream.

This is accomplished by connecting the patient to the dialysis machine through a special access point, which often involves a vascular access created surgically, typically between an artery and a vein. The machine pumps blood from the body into the dialyzer (the artificial kidney), where it is filtered before being returned to the patient. This setup is essential to allow for the continuous flow of blood through the dialysis machine, making option B accurate.

In contrast, performing hemodialysis directly inside the kidney is not feasible as the complex and delicate structure of the kidneys cannot support such a procedure. While hemodialysis can be conducted in a hospital setting, it is also performed in outpatient clinics and sometimes at home, but the home setting typically involves medical oversight and is not performed entirely without supervision. Thus, option B correctly encapsulates the mechanics and setup of hemodialysis.