Final answer:
The kidneys are primarily responsible for maintaining potassium levels within the body through processes such as excretion and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organ that plays the largest role in maintaining potassium levels is the kidneys. They regulate potassium balance by excreting excess potassium through the renal tubules, specifically the distal convoluted tubule and the collecting ducts. Potassium is important for physiological functions such as establishing resting membrane potential and action potentials in neurons and muscle fibers.
The recommended daily intake of potassium is 4700 mg, which can be easily added to the diet through various foods including fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, and whole grains. Insulin, catecholamines, and thyroid hormones modulate the partitioning of potassium between intracellular and extracellular spaces, while the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system influences the excretion of potassium. The basolateral sodium-potassium pumps and the influence of aldosterone are critical in the exchange of sodium and potassium in the renal tubules.