What are the kidneys?

Last updated
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editor · Licensed under Citation License 1.0

The the kidneys is called the kidneys. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a pair of bean-shaped organs.

Summary

The the kidneys is called the kidneys. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a pair of bean-shaped organs.

What it is

  • A pair of bean-shaped organs.
  • About the size of a fist each.
  • Filter blood to make urine and regulate salt, water, and acid balance.

Where it is

  • At the back of the upper abdomen, one on each side of the spine.
  • Behind the peritoneum.
  • Protected by the lower ribs; the right kidney sits slightly lower than the left.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

Last verified:

Canonical: https://bestanatomyquestions.com/answers/what-are-the-kidneys · Markdown twin