You have two kidneys. They are shaped like beans with concave and convex sides and are about the size of a fist. They are located at the bottom of the rib cage, one to the left and one to the right of your spine.
Functions of kidneys
Your kidneys are multi-functional. But their main job is to get rid of waste. They remove the waste products that arises when you digest food and drink, as well as excess organic molecules (such as glucose).
Our kidneys are an amazing creation. They are more complex than we can imagine, and keep functioning with very little regard from us, until something goes wrong.
The two small organs are located in the lower back on each side of the spine. Their main purpose is to filter the blood and control the levels of potassium, salts, and acids.
The filtering structures are small clusters of blood vessels called glomeruli. When they are working properly, they allow the excretion of waste materials into the urine while retaining water, to keep you from dehydrating. There are different types of kidney disease that will hinder the work of the kidneys.
A kidney ache could be a symptom of a serious problem, and if left unchecked can lead to complications. If ever you or anyone you know experiences pain where the kidneys are located, you must consult a doctor immediately. You should not ignore such symptoms.
The kidneys, of which most people have two, have several functions in addition to eliminating your body of waste products and excess fluid. The kidneys produce urine, which removes excess body fluid and waste products.
Seems pretty simple, right? Well, the process by which urine is produced is actually a complex series of events necessary to keep the body’s chemicals in proper balance. Proper kidney functions are extremely necessary to your overall health and well-being.
I asked a few of my friends about kidneys and most of them knew about as much as I did. I think it’s because most of us don’t talk about kidneys, unless there is something wrong with them. Well it so happened that my dad is in the hospital having tests being run on his kidneys, and I thought it would be appropriate to learn a little more about human kidneys.