Definition:
The kidney is a bean-shaped organ located in the posterior abdominal cavity. It is part of the urinary system and is primarily responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products and excess substances, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure.
Parts of the Kidney:
- Renal Cortex – The outer region of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood.
- Renal Medulla – The inner region containing renal pyramids, which help in urine formation.
- Renal Pelvis – A funnel-shaped cavity that collects urine and directs it to the ureter.
- Ureter – A tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
- Renal Artery – Supplies oxygen-rich blood to the kidney.
- Renal Vein – Carries filtered blood away from the kidney.
Functions:
- Filtration: Removes waste products, toxins, and excess ions from the bloodstream.
- Reabsorption: Reclaims water, glucose, and essential ions back into the blood.
- Secretion: Releases additional waste products into the urine.
- Excretion: Eliminates urine from the body.
Human Body 