HOW TO IDENTIFY KIDNEYS IN MRI
WHAT IS KIDNEY? Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located in upper abdomen on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage, and are roughly the size of a fist. The kidneys are part of the urinary system, which also includes the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. Kidneys are vital organs. Their proper function is essential for overall health and survival. If kidneys are damaged and cannot function properly, waste and fluid can build up in the body, leading to a variety of health problems. FUNCTIONS OF KIDNEYS Below are some of the main functions of the kidneys (Kelley and Petersen, 2018): • Kidneys filter waste excretion, specifically urea which is debris from proteins and uric acid which is the break down of acids within the body. • Kidneys reabsorb key nutrients from the blood and routes these nutrients to the area or organ of need. Nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, sugars and water are common nutrients that the kidney reabsorbs. • Kidneys maint...