The kidneys are bilateral organs placed retroperitoneally in the upper left and right abdominal quadrants and are part of the urinary system. Their shape resembles a bean, where we can describe the superior and inferior poles, as well as the major convexity pointed laterally, and the minor concavity pointed medially.
The main function of the kidney is to eliminate excess bodily fluid, salts and byproducts of metabolism – this makes kidneys key in the regulation of acid-base balance, blood pressure, and many other homeostatic parameters.
Key facts about the kidney
Functions
Eliminating toxic metabolites through urine, regulation of blood homeostasis and blood pressure, production of some hormones
Mnemonic: A WET BED
Morpho-functional characteristics
Positioned retroperitoneally, consists of the cortex and medulla, empties urine into the ureter (which carries urine to the urinary bladder)
Artery
Renal artery (branch of the abdominal aorta)
Vein
Renal vein (drains to the inferior vena cava)
Innervation
Renal plexus
Clinical relations
Third kidney, horseshoe kidney, kidney agenesis, kidney stones, acute kidney failure
This article will discuss the anatomy and major functions of the kidney.