MedifocusHealth

The kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, that are located in the upper part of the abdomen on each side of the spine. Their main function is to filter the blood by retaining necessary fluid and nutrients while expelling wastes and toxins in the urine.

The kidney is made up of several components, including:

• Capsule - the fibrous membrane covering of the kidney

• Cortex - the outer region of the kidney that surrounds the internal medulla. It is composed of blood vessels and filtration units comprised of glomeruli and tubules, supported by a fibrous matrix of tissue.

• Medulla - innermost part of the kidney. It contains cone-shaped regions called pyramids where a significant portion of the urine concentration occurs.

• Pelvis - a collection area for filtered waste. The pelvis is connected to the pyramids by chambers called calyses.

Nephrons, found in the cortex and medulla, are the basic structural and functional units of the kidney and the primary filtering device. Nephrons are very long and tubular and are divided into various parts according to location and function. There are approximately one million nephrons in each kidney.

Blood flows into the kidney and is forced into the nephrons where the blood is filtered, and required nutrients and water are returned to the circulation while excess water and unwanted waste and toxins are removed and turned into urine. After collection in the renal pelvis the urine drains via the ureters into the bladder and from there it is expelled from the body through the urethra.

The kidney plays several roles in maintaining a healthy body including:

• Producing several essential hormones that interact with other vital body functions including:

  • Erythropoietin, a hormone that helps in the formation of red blood cells
  • Renin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and the body's handling of salt

• Regulating the balance of nutrients, water, salts, and electrolytes in the body

• Reabsorbing essential nutrients and water to the circulation

• Removing waste products from the body including:

  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  • Creatinine - this is usually removed so efficiently that an estimate of kidney function can be made by measuring its level in the blood.