The Kidney (1)

Where are the kidneys located?

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the upper retroperitoneal region of the abdomen, seated in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. There is one kidney on each side of the spine. They are situated below the diaphragm and below the rib cage. The right kidney is about one centimeter lower and slightly smaller than the left kidney. It sits just below the diaphragm and posterior to the liver. The left kidney also sits below the diaphragm and posterior to the spleen. There is a very important gland sitting on top of each kidney, the adrenal gland. It is an endocrine gland and produces adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol.

What are the basic functions of the kidney?

The kidneys have many important functions. If healthy, these highly…