Kidneys: Location, Anatomy, Function & Health

Overview

What are the kidneys?

Kidneys are vital organs in the human body responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and eliminating them through urine. They also regulate the body’s fluid balance and maintain a steady level of salts and acids.

Who is at the greatest risk of kidney problems?

Individuals with diabetes, and high blood pressure, those with a family history of kidney disease, older adults, and people of African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American descent are at the greatest risk of developing kidney problems.

Function

What do the kidneys do?

The primary function of the kidneys is to filter blood, removing toxins and waste products. They also play a critical role in regulating blood pressure, red blood cell production, and the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body.

In the process:

• The kidneys filter blood, separating waste and excess substances.
• They produce urine to eliminate these wastes and excess substances.

The kidneys also:

• Regulate the body’s salt, potassium, and acid content.
• Balance the body’s fluids.
• Produce hormones that regulate blood pressure.
• Stimulate red blood cell production.

How do my kidneys filter blood?

The kidneys filter blood through millions of tiny units called nephrons. Each nephron filters a small amount of blood, removing waste products and excess substances, which are then eliminated from the body as urine.

Can you live without a kidney?

Yes, it is possible to live a healthy life with only one kidney. Some people are born with only one kidney, and others may have one removed due to injury or disease without significantly impacting their quality of life.

Anatomy

Where are your kidneys located?

The kidneys are located on either side of the spine, under the ribcage, in the back of the abdomen.

What are the parts of the kidney?

• Kidney capsule (renal capsule): A tough outer covering that protects the kidney.
• Renal artery: Supplies blood to the kidneys.
• Renal cortex: The outer part of the kidney where most filtration occurs.
• Renal medulla: The inner part of the kidney that contains the nephrons.
• Renal papilla: Releases urine into the minor calyx.
• Renal pelvis: A funnel-shaped structure that collects urine and leads it to the ureter.
• Renal vein: Carries filtered blood away from the kidneys.

What color are the kidneys?

The kidneys are reddish-brown in color due to the high blood flow they receive.

How big is a kidney?

A typical kidney is about the size of a fist or approximately 4 to 5 inches long.

How much do my kidneys weigh?

On average, both kidneys together weigh between 4 to 6 ounces (113 to 170 grams).

Conditions and Disorders

What causes kidney damage?

Kidney damage can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract, exposure to toxins, and kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis.

What are the first signs of kidney problems?

Early signs can include changes in urination frequency or appearance, swelling of the feet and ankles due to fluid retention, tiredness, and shortness of breath.

What are common tests to check the health of my kidneys?

Common tests include blood tests to measure the level of waste products like creatinine and urea, and urine tests to check for protein or blood in the urine.

Care

How can I keep my kidneys healthy?

Keeping your kidneys healthy involves managing conditions that can cause damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, avoiding the excessive use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, and not smoking or drinking alcohol excessively.

Is drinking a lot of water good for my kidneys?

Yes, maintaining adequate hydration is essential for kidney health, as it helps the kidneys remove waste from the blood.

How much water should I drink to keep my kidneys healthy?

The amount of water you need depends on various factors, including your health, how active you are, and where you live, but generally, drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day is recommended.

Is it possible to drink too much water?

Yes, drinking an excessive amount of water can lead to water intoxication, which can disrupt your body’s electrolyte balance and adversely affect kidney function.

Is it kidney pain or back pain?

Kidney pain often feels like a dull ache on one side of your upper back. It usually differs from muscular back pain in terms of location, quality, and the presence of other symptoms such as fever and urinary changes.

Prevention and Lifestyle Choices

Optimizing Diet for Kidney Health

To support healthy kidney function, a balanced diet is crucial. This includes reducing salt intake, limiting high-protein foods, and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Monitoring protein intake is especially important for those with existing kidney conditions, as excessive protein can be hard on the kidneys.

Exercise and Kidney Health

Regular physical activity can improve overall health and help manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which, in turn, reduces the risk of developing kidney disease. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous; even moderate activity can make a difference.

Avoiding Harmful Substances

Avoiding or limiting exposure to harmful substances such as tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants is important for kidney health. These substances can introduce toxins into the bloodstream, placing additional strain on the kidneys.

Understanding Kidney Transplants

When is a Kidney Transplant Needed?

A kidney transplant may become necessary when someone has advanced kidney disease or kidney failure that cannot be managed with medication or dialysis. It involves replacing the diseased kidneys with a healthy kidney from a donor.

Life After Kidney Transplantation

After a kidney transplant, most people can return to a more normal life, although it requires careful management of health, routine check-ups, and taking anti-rejection medication to ensure the longevity of the transplant.

Additional Common Questions

When should I call my healthcare provider about my kidneys?

If you experience symptoms like changes in urination, persistent puffiness around your eyes, swelling of your feet or ankles, high blood pressure, or blood in your urine, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.