Anatomy & Physiology (Nephrology)

This chapter anatomy and physiology (Nephrology) deals with the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys.

Anatomy: 

• The human body has two kidneys under the rib cage, on either side of the spine. 
• They are bean-shaped organs and are approximately 11 cm long, 7 cm wide, and 4 cm thick. 
• Each kidney weighs about 150-170 g. 
• They are composed of functional units called nephrons, which filter the blood and produce urine. Nephrons consist of Glomerulus and tubules.
• The renal artery brings blood to the kidney, and the renal vein carries away the filtered blood. 
• Ureters carry the urine produced by the kidney to the bladder.

Physiology: 

• The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste products from the blood and excrete them in the urine. 
• Additionally, the kidneys regulate blood pressure, electrolyte, water and salt balance, and produce hormones like vitamin D, renin, and erythropoietin.
• The process of urine formation involves several steps like glomerular filtration (blood filters through glomerulus to the renal tubules), reabsorption (water and essential substances reabsorbed into the bloodstream), secretion (waste products), and formation of urine (elimination of waste products and excess water).