The kidneys produce urine, and the ureters convey it into the bladder.
Kidneys
The kidneys are paired, bean-shaped organs found in the posterior upper abdomen.
Functions
The kidneys can essentially be seen as highly sophisticated blood filters.
- Regulation of blood pressure, osmolarity, acid-base balance, and ion homeostasis
- Excretion of metabolites and waste products
- Endocrine functions:
- Produce renin
- Activate vitamin D
- Produce erythropoitein (promoting RBC production)
Location
The kidneys are located within the retroperitoneum (primary retroperitoneal) to the sides of the vertebral column.
- The left kidney is located at the level of T12 to L3
- The right kidney is slightly lower (due to the presence of the liver)
Syntopy
- Right kidney — Liver, duodenum, ascending colon
- Left