The Kidneys

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The kidneys are a pair of reddish-brown organs located on either side of the spine just below the diaphragm, behind the liver and stomach. They are bean-shaped and about 4 and 1/2 inches long, 2 and 1/2 inches wide and one inch thick. Don’t let their size fool you!

kidney

They are extremely busy organs and are crucial to our existence. The primary function of the kidneys is to remove waste from the body through the production of urine. They also help to regulate blood pressure, blood volume and the chemical (electrolyte) composition of the blood.

Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from renal failure each year and undergo dialysis or await a kidney transplant.

Related links:

Kidney Diseases
Recipient preparation and evaluation
Pre-transplant recipient (patient) evaluation
Transplant surgery
Post-transplant care