Kidneys anatomy in 3D
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs at waist height, either side of the spine towards the back. They filter blood into urine, which runs down the ureters to the bladder. The adrenal glands sit on top of them. They lie behind the peritoneum, usually from the twelfth thoracic to the third lumbar vertebra. The right kidney sits a little lower than the left because the liver lies above it. The renal artery, renal vein and ureter pass through the hilum in the concave inner border, and inside each kidney has an outer cortex and an inner medulla made of renal pyramids.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the kidneys?
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs at waist height, either side of the spine towards the back.
What do the kidneys do?
They filter blood into urine, which runs down the ureters to the bladder. The adrenal glands sit on top of them.
Which body system do the kidneys belong to?
The kidneys belong to the urinary system. The urinary system is made up of the two kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra.
Which kidney sits lower, the right or the left?
The right kidney sits a little lower, because the liver lies directly above it.
Parts of the kidneys
- Right kidney: It filters blood into urine, sitting a little lower than the left because of the liver.
- Left kidney: It filters blood into urine.
- Adrenal glands: Small glands on top of the kidneys that make several hormones.
- Ureters: Thin tubes carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Bladder: The pouch that stores urine.
Other organs
By body system
By region
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.