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Related Concept Videos

Kidney Structure01:45

Kidney Structure

The kidneys are two large bean-shaped organs located in the upper abdomen. They filter the blood several times a day to remove toxins and rebalance water and electrolytes of the circulatory system via the renal veins. The kidneys receive blood directly from the heart via the renal arteries. These arteries enter the kidney at the hilum, the concave surface of the bean, where they branch and divide into smaller vessels and capillaries.
External Anatomy of the Kidney01:21

External Anatomy of the Kidney

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs in the human body that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. They filter out waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
Internal Anatomy of the Kidney01:12

Internal Anatomy of the Kidney

The kidneys are essential organs in the human body, performing a myriad of tasks that maintain homeostasis and overall health.
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters01:11

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters

The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.KidneysLocation and Structure:The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs positioned behind the peritoneum on either side of the spine.Kidneys are between the 12th thoracic (T12) and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae.The position of the liver causes the right kidney to sit slightly lower than the left.Protective Layers:Each kidney is enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane called the...
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies01:28

Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct01:24

Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct

The renal tubule is divided into three parts: the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), the Loop of Henle (LOH), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...

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Developmental Programming of Human Kidney Function.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Cells from the Nephrogenic Zone of the Embryonic Mouse Kidney
08:06

Isolation and Culture of Cells from the Nephrogenic Zone of the Embryonic Mouse Kidney

Published on: April 22, 2011

Mammalian kidney development: principles, progress, and projections.

Melissa H Little1, Andrew P McMahon

  • 1Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia. M.Little@imb.uq.edu.au

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|May 3, 2012
PubMed
Summary

This study explores kidney development and repair, highlighting molecular pathways and cell origins. Recent advances improve understanding of organ assembly and renal diseases.

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In Utero Intra-cardiac Tomato-lectin Injections on Mouse Embryos to Gauge Renal Blood Flow
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In Utero Intra-cardiac Tomato-lectin Injections on Mouse Embryos to Gauge Renal Blood Flow

Published on: February 4, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Cells from the Nephrogenic Zone of the Embryonic Mouse Kidney
08:06

Isolation and Culture of Cells from the Nephrogenic Zone of the Embryonic Mouse Kidney

Published on: April 22, 2011

In Utero Intra-cardiac Tomato-lectin Injections on Mouse Embryos to Gauge Renal Blood Flow
10:25

In Utero Intra-cardiac Tomato-lectin Injections on Mouse Embryos to Gauge Renal Blood Flow

Published on: February 4, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The mammalian kidney is crucial, exhibiting complex cellular structures and diverse functions.
  • Kidney development involves intricate tubulogenesis driven by inductive signals between progenitor cells.
  • Understanding these processes is key to addressing renal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent insights into kidney organogenesis and repair mechanisms.
  • To highlight key molecular pathways regulating kidney assembly.
  • To discuss advancements in understanding renal disease etiology.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gene expression and gene activity.
  • Detailed investigation of cell origins.
  • Review of current literature on kidney development and disease.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key molecular pathways governing kidney development.
  • Enhanced understanding of cell origins and their role in morphogenesis.
  • Improved insights into normal postnatal repair and disease mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Recent advances in molecular and cellular analyses are significantly advancing our understanding of kidney development and disease.
  • Future research directions include further unraveling regulatory processes for organ assembly and disease intervention.