[Biology Class Notes] on Difference Between Left Kidney and Right Kidney Pdf

Kidneys are organs that are found in the bean shape in our bodies. Both the kidneys are equivalent to the size of a fist. These are located just under the bottom of the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Normal kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. Kidneys situated in the left and the right which lie in an intraperitoneal position are located at the slightly oblique angle. The right kidney is slightly lower and smaller than the left kidney and is placed into the middle area in comparison to the left kidney.

Left Vs Right Kidney

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Left Kidney

This kidney is situated on the left side of the body just below the rib cage. The kidney has a length of about 11.25cm, 5 to 7.5cm in breadth, and more than 2.5cm in thickness. The left kidney is somewhat longer and narrower than the right kidney. This kidney is in the direction facing the right kidney. The anterior surface of the kidney is linked with the stomach, left suprarenal gland, spleen, pancreas, jejunum, and the posterior part is associated with rib 11 and 12, diaphragm.

Right Kidney

The right kidney is situated slightly lower than the left kidney and is probably on the account of the vicinity of the liver. This kidney, having been shaped, is placed in the direction facing the left kidney. The anterior surface of the kidney is linked with the liver, right suprarenal gland, descending part of the duodenum, small intestine, etc, and the posterior surface is associated with rib 12, diaphragm.

Structure of the Kidneys

The kidneys are bean-shaped which are externally surrounded by three layers which are as follows: 

• The outermost layer, the renal fascia, is a tough connective tissue layer.

• The perirenal fat capsule is the second layer that supports the kidneys. 

• The innermost and the third layer is the renal capsule.

The Kidneys have Three Layers Internally Which are as Follows:

• The renal medulla is the innermost region of the kidney which is arranged into pyramid-like structures that consist of a bulk of neuron structure.

• The renal cortex is the outer inner region of the kidney between the renal capsule and the renal medulla.

• Nephrons are the basic structural and functional unit of the kidney that filters the blood in order to regulate chemical concentrations and produce urine.

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The Functioning of the Kidneys 

Kidneys perform very important functions and play a vital role in the filtration process which is as follows : 

• They maintain an overall fluid balance in the body.

• They regulate and filter minerals from blood.

• They filter waste materials from food, medications, and toxic substances.

• They create hormones that help to produce red blood cells, promote health, and regulate blood pressure.

Maintenance of Kidneys 

Kidneys are the most important organs that affect many other body parts including the heart. So it is very important to maintain the health of the kidneys well in order to make them work in an efficient manner.

Some necessary precautions need to be taken in order to maintain our kidneys.

These are the List of Some Important Precautions:

• Should maintain the proper amount of salt in the diet because eating a lot of salty foods can disrupt the balance of minerals in the blood and then it becomes harder for the kidneys to work or function properly.

• Should exercise regularly which maintains the proper blood pressure and results in decreasing the risk factor of chronic kidney disease.

• Should stay hydrated and should drink plenty of water as it helps the kidneys to perform one of the most important functions which are removing toxins. The use of medication with caution avoids kidney damage.

• One should always be aware of the risk factors and should go for regular checkups.