The kidneys are two organs that belong to the urinary system.
The kidneys are situated on both aspect of the backbone, alongside the posterior wall of the stomach, under the diaphragm.
Location of the kidneys
The correct kidney is barely decrease because of the presence of the liver. Above the kidneys are the adrenal glands.
The kidneys are bean-shaped and reddish-brown in colour. They’re about 12 centimeters lengthy and weigh as much as 170 grams every.
Anatomy and Histology of the Kidneys
Every kidney is roofed by three layers of tissue: the renal fascia, the fatty capsule, and the fibrous capsule.
The inner anatomy of the kidneys is split into two zones, therenal cortexand therenal medulla.
The renal cortex corresponds to the outermost layer, simply after the fibrous capsule of the kidney. The cortex has a reddish colour and a clean texture.
The nephrons are discovered within the renal cortex. The nephron is the fundamental useful unit of the kidney, chargeable for the formation of urine. Every kidney has 1000’s of nephrons.
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The renal medulla is reddish-brown in colour. The medulla mainly consists of 8 to 18 wedge-shaped constructions, therenal pyramids.
The renal pyramids are teams of ducts that gather urine shaped within the nephrons. The bottom of the pyramids faces the cortex and the apex faces the medulla. On the apex of every pyramid is the renal papilla.
Every papilla is surrounded by the minor calyx, which be part of collectively to type the foremost calyces. From the foremost renal calyx, urine is drained into the renal pelvis, the place all of the urine produced within the kidney is launched. From the renal pelvis, urine reaches the ureter till it reaches the urinary bladder.
Relating to exterior anatomy, there may be an higher area, the place the adrenal gland is situated, and a decrease area. Within the median area is the hilum, a vertical slit. The renal artery, the renal vein and the ureter depart from the hilum.
Kidney anatomy
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Capabilities of the Kidneys
The primary capabilities of the kidneys are:
- Urine manufacturing;
- Elimination of metabolic merchandise, reminiscent of urea and creatine;
- Regulation of the physique’s fluid quantity;
- Elimination of poisons from the blood;
- Management of blood strain.
Discover out extra, learn additionally:
- Organs of the Human Body
- Human Body
- Exercises on the Urinary System