Morcellation devices in surgery. Laparoscopic morcellation is commonly used at surgery to remove bulky specimens from the abdomen using minimally invasive techniques. Historically, morcellation was performed using a device that required the surgeon or assistant to manually 'squeeze' the handle.
Endocrine functions of the kidneys. The kidneys produce three important hormones: erythropoietin, calcitriol (1,25- dihydroxycholecalciferol) and renin. They also synthesize prostaglandins, which affect many processes in the kidneys.
Normal kidneys and kidney function. 1  The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that lie on either side of the spine in the lower middle of the back.  Each kidney weighs about 5 ounces and contains approximately one million filtering units called nephrons.