The Human kidney: Anatomy and Physiology

 

The Human kidney:  Anatomy and Physiology

              The kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body. The kidneys are a

 pair of bean-shaped organs, the average adult kidney is about 3 inches thick, 6 inches

 wide, and 12 inches long. The average weight of an adult male kidney is approximately 129 g

 for the right kidney and 137 g for the left kidney. The average weight of a woman's right kidney

 is 108 grams and her left kidney is 116 grams. The kidneys are located on either side of the

 vertebral column in the abdomen, behind the peritoneum. However, due to the presence of the

 liver, the right kidney is often slightly lower.

 

            A kidney is usually deposited in complex layers of fascia and fat. Accordingly, a kidney

 consists of the following parts. These include the rigid fibrous capsule the renal capsule, the

 perirenal fat that collects excess fat, the renal fascia, which covers the kidneys and adrenal

 glands, and the pararenal fat, which is located in the posterior part of the kidney. The kidneys

 also have a complex structure internally. Accordingly, the renal parenchyma is divided into two

 main areas, namely the outer cortex and the inner medulla. The cortex extends into the medulla,

 which is triangular and is called the renal pyramid. The apex of a kidney pyramid is called the

 kidney papilla. Further study reveals that each kidney papilla is a small structure that collects

 urine called the calyx. The small calyxes combine to form the main calyx. Through the funnel-

shaped structure, urine passes through the main callus into the kidney pelvis and flows from the

 kidney pelvis to the urinary tract, where it is transported to the bladder for storage. The central

 border of the kidney is called the renal hilum. It acts as the main gateway to the kidneys,

 allowing the renal vessels and urinary tract to enter/exit the kidney through this structure.

 

            Blood is supplied to the kidneys through the renal arteries, which arise directly from the

 abdominal aorta. The renal artery enters the kidney through the renal hilum, where it divides the

 anterior and posterior arteries and carries 75% and 25% of the blood supply to the kidneys,

 respectively. Venous blood flows through the left and right renal veins of the kidneys.

The kidneys are said to be an essential organ of the human body because of the

 miraculous functions that take place through them. Meanwhile, the primary function of the

 kidneys is to remove waste products from the body along with the urine. These wastes are

 excreted in the urine. This process consists of three very complex steps: production, excretion,

 and reabsorption. It maintains a stable balance of chemicals in the body. In addition, other

 important functions take place in the kidneys controlling acid-base balance, controlling water

 balance, maintaining electrolyte balance, removing toxins and waste products from the body,

 controlling blood pressure, producing the hormone erythropoietin, and activating vitamin D.

 

             Considering all these functions performed by the kidneys, it is clear that the kidneys are

 one of the most important organs in the human body. Undoubtedly, we need to preserve such a

 precious organ of the human body. How to have a healthy pair of kidneys, what are the

 abnormalities in the kidneys and how to identify them will be presented in a few more important

 articles.

E.A.C.D. Thisara.

BSc Nursing.