Structure of the Kidneys

Location and Structure of the Kidneys

The kidneys are two bean shaped organs each about the size of a fist. The average adult kidney measures 10-11 cms in length,5-7 cms in width ,is 2.5 cms thick and weighs about 125-150 gms.The kidneys are located near the middle of your back just below the rib cage (see figure below).

Normal Kidney Anatomy

• FRONT
• Backbone Aorta
• Eleventh Rib Left Kidney 'Ureter Hipbone Bladder
• Urethra
• BACK

What are the functions of the Kidney :

• Removal of the nitrogeneous waste products from the blood.
• Maintenance of acid-base balance of the body.
• Maintenance of fluid balance of the body
• Production of hormone Erythropoeitin to help bone-marrow to produce Red Blood Cells
• Production of Renin to regulate blood pressure
• Helps produce Calcitriol(active Vit D) to keep bones strong