Kidneys Overview

The Kidneys

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of a closed fist, located in your back on each side of your spine. They are situated above your waist, with the left kidney a little higher and a little larger. The right kidney is a little lower and smaller to make room for the liver. Inside the kidneys are nephrons which are units where the filtering of excess fluids and dissolved particles occurs. There are between 1.0 to 1.3 million nephrons in each kidney.


Kidneys Job

Most people think their kidneys are just responsible for producing urine, but there is a lot more to it. In addition to removing extra fluid and waste products from your body, kidneys:

  • Excrete metabolic waste
  • Balance water volume and body fluid osmolality in the body
  • Produce the enzyme renin that helps control blood pressure
  • Produce the hormone erythropoietin to help make red blood cells
  • Activate vitamin D to maintain healthy bones
  • Adjust electrolyte and acid-base balance to keep the body working properly


How Kidneys do their jobs?


Removing waste is only one job of the kidneys. In addition to filtering, the kidneys monitor the levels of chemicals, salts and acids in the blood. Inside the nephrons are sensors that keep track of sodium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. When levels of these components are high, the kidneys signal to eliminate the excess from your blood.



Anatomy of Kidney


