Anatomy of the Kidney

To help you understand what’s happening, it may help to understand more about the anatomy of your kidneys.   The kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs located in your lower back. You have one kidney on either side of your spine. They are protected by the lower rib cage.

Each kidney receives blood from a renal artery. The kidneys’ main job is to filter blood and produce urine. They help the body get rid of excess water, salt, and waste products via urine. Urine travels from the kidneys through 2 tubes, called ureters, to the bladder, where it is stored and then released out of the body through a tube called the urethra. The filtered blood returns to the circulation through renal veins.

The Kidney and Urinary System: (a) Anterior view showing the relationship of the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. (b) Cross section of the kidney showing cortex medulla and renal pelvis.

Your kidneys also make hormones that control the formation of red blood cells. And the kidneys are important in the regulation of blood pressure.