Recognizing the anatomy of the kidney can help you understand kidney function more closely. The reason is, each part of the kidney has its own role in supporting kidney function for the body. Check out the following explanation of the anatomy of the kidney and how it works.
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist. The kidneys are located at the back of the abdominal cavity or lower back area, one to the right of the spine and the other to the left.
Kidney function is classified as very heavy and important for the human body, including filtering blood, removing metabolic waste in the form of urine, controlling body fluid balance, and regulating body salt or electrolyte balance.
Just like other organs of the body, the anatomy of the kidney can describe the performance of each part of the kidney in carrying out its functions.
Kidney Anatomy and How It Works
The right kidney and the left kidney are not located at the exact same height because the abdominal cavity is asymmetrical. On the right side of the abdomen there is a liver organ, so that the position of the right kidney is lower than the left kidney. The size of the right kidney is also smaller than the left kidney.
The adult male kidney measures approximately 11 cm, while the adult female kidney measures 10 cm. Although small in size, the kidneys consist of many parts that play a major role in carrying out their functions. Anatomically, there are four main parts that support kidney function, namely:
Nephron
Nephron is an important part of the kidney which is in charge of filtering the blood, then taking its nutrients and removing the waste products of metabolism.
There are about 1 million nephrons in each kidney. Each nephron consists of a structure that contains the renal corpuscle (malpighian body) and the renal tubule. More specifically, the nephron is composed of the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule.
In nephrons, blood will flow to the renal corpuscle. After that, the protein in the blood will be absorbed by the glomerulus, while the remaining fluid will flow into the collecting duct or collecting duct. Then, some will be reabsorbed into the blood, including water, sugar and electrolytes.
Renal cortex or renal cortex
The renal cortex is located on the outside of the kidney. It is surrounded by a layer of fatty tissue known as the renal capsule or renal capsule. The renal cortex and capsule serve to protect the internal structures of the kidney.
Renal medulla or renal marrow The renal medulla is a soft tissue found in the kidney. It contains the renal pyramids (pyramids renalis) and collecting ducts, which are pathways for filtered fluid to exit the nephron to the next anatomical structure of the kidney, the renal pelvis. The renal pelvis is the deepest part of the kidney. The renal pelvis is shaped like a funnel and acts as a conduit for water from the kidneys to the bladder. Composed of the calyces of the kidneys (calyces renalis), the renal pelvis is the place where urine is stored before being drained into the bladder through the ureters. Given its very important function for the body, you should maintain kidney health. Sufficient water needs every day, consume a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, maintain an ideal body weight, and avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages. Do not forget, exercise regularly and avoid taking drugs beyond the doctor's advice.Renal pelvis or renal pelvis