About the Kidneys
The
kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the abdomen of the human body. The
kidneys filter wastes from the blood and excrete them, along with water,
as urine. There is one kidney on each side of the spine. The right kidney sits just below the liver. The left kidney sits below the diaphragm and next to the spleen. They are surrounded by two layers of fat which help cushion them.
Why are kidneys important?
The most important function of the kidneys is the
removal of waste products produced by metabolism. They also assist in
homeostasis of the body by regulating the balance of ions and water in
the blood.Additionally, the kidneys help maintain a person's blood pressure. When blood pressure becomes low, the kidneys secrete an enzyme called Renin that increases water absorption and blood volume which raises the blood pressure.
The kidneys also secrete a variety of necessary hormones including erythropoietin, urodilatin and vitamin D.
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