explain the structure and functions of the kidney
Hi,
Here are some of the functions of kidney along with its structure.
Kidneys
- Location: Between levels of the last thoracic and the third lumbar vertebra
- Measurement: 10−12 cm (length) × 5−7 cm (width) × 2−3 cm (thickness)
- Weight: 120−170 g
- Hilum: A notch present towards the centre of the inner concave surface of the kidney
- Through the hilum, the ureter, blood vessels and nerves enter the kidney.
- On the inside of the hilum, the renal pelvis is present. Renal pelvis has projections called calyces.
- 2 zones in the kidney: Cortex (outer)
Medulla (inner) - Medulla divides into medullary pyramids (cone-shaped). These medullary pyramids project into the calyces.
- Cortex is present in between the medullary pyramids as renal columns called the columns of Bertini.
- Each kidney consists of about 1 million nephrons. These are the structural and functional units of the kidneys.
Hope this helps,
Cheers !!