Renal Anatomy: Structure and Function of the Human Kidneys.

Описание: Renal anatomy refers to the detailed structure of the kidneys and their associated components within the urinary system. Each kidney is a bean-shaped organ located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. Internally, the kidney consists of the cortex, medulla, renal pyramids, and renal pelvis, which work together to filter blood, remove waste, and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.
Key structures include:
Renal Cortex: The outer layer where initial filtration occurs.
Renal Medulla: Contains the renal pyramids that concentrate urine.
Nephrons: The microscopic functional units responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.
Renal Pelvis: Collects urine before it flows into the ureter.
Ureters: Tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
The kidneys also play a vital role in maintaining blood pressure, producing hormones like erythropoietin, and regulating acid-base balance. Understanding renal anatomy is essential for grasping how the body maintains internal stability and eliminates toxins.