The kidneys are a pair of bean shaped organs, located on either side of the spine, below the ribs, behind the belly. Each kidney is approximately the size of a large fist.
3D Medical Animation - Cross section of the kidney
Kidneys have multiple functions
The kidneys remove waste and extra fluids from the body. Another function is to remove the acid produced by cells and to maintain a healthy balance of water, salts , potassium, sodium, calcium , phosphorus and other minerals in the blood. The maintenance of healthy balance of salts and minerals in the blood is crucial for the working of the nerves, muscles and other tissues in the body. The kidneys also make the hormones that make red blood cells, help in controlling the blood pressure, and help keep the bones strong and healthy. They also help activate a form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium.
How kidneys work
The blood with waste enters the kidneys through the renal artery. Each kidney has around a million tiny filtering units called nephrons. The large blood vessel branches into smaller and smaller blood vessels until the blood reaches the nephrons. Each nephron includes a filter called glomerulus and a tubule. The glomerulus filters the blood and the tubule removes waste and adds required substances to the blood. Then the filtered blood flows back into the body through the renal vein. Waste gets turned into urine and the ureter carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Kidney related diseases
Healthy kidneys are very essential for a healthy body. When the they get damaged and can’t perform their function, several disease arise. Kidneys may be damaged due to high blood pressure, diabetes or several other long term conditions. Kidney disease can lead to other health problems such as weak bones and nerve damage. The most common types of kidney disease are kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, urinary tract infections and, polycystic kidney disease.
A healthy lifestyle helps in preventing many of the underlying causes of kidney disease. Limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, regular exercise, eating a heart healthy diet, controlling diabetes and reducing consumption of foods high in cholesterol all help in keeping the kidneys healthy.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
References:
Treatment of Kidney Stones
Kidney Stones (Scientific Name: Renal Calculus) results from an amassing of dissolved minerals that accumulate on the inner surface of kidneys. Depending on the amount of deposit, these stones can grow as big as a golf ball. Read More..
A New Treatment For Kidney Stones After 3 Decades
Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys, affecting up to 12% of men and 7% of women. High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can increase the risk, and the reported incidence is on the rise. Read More..
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