Kidney Parts - Functions and Locations

Kidney - Function - extract waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions of the body. Location - They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Renal Artery - Function - a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to your kidneys. Location - look at C on the diagram Renal Vein - Function - drain oxygen-depleted blood from the kidneys Location - look at D on the diagram Adrenal Gland - Function - produce hormones that help the body control blood sugar, burn protein and fat, react to stressors, and regulate blood pressure Location - Located at the top of each kidney Ureters - Function - a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder Location - look at arrow on diagram Hilus - Function - an opening in an organ where blood vessels, nerves, and other ducts enter and leave. They allow for transportation of materials throughout the body. Location - look at diagram Renal Pelvis - Function - to act as a funnel for urine flowing to the ureter. Location - look at diagram Renal Cortex - Function - the part of the kidney where ultrafiltration occurs. Location - look at the picture Renal Medulla - Function - The renal medulla is the innermost part of the kidney. The renal medulla is split up into a number of sections, known as the renal pyramids. Blood enters into the kidney via the renal artery, which then splits up to form the interlobar arteries. Location - look at the picture Renal Papilla - Function - It transports urine produced in the cortical section of the kidney to the cup-like cavities (calyces) where the urine gets accumulated before passing into the bladder through the ureter. Location - look at diagram Nephron - Function - to regulate the concentration of water and soluble substances like sodium salts by filtering the blood, reabsorbing what is needed and excreting the rest as urine. Location - look at diagram Renal Columns - Function - It allows the renal cortex to be better anchored. (a medullary extension of the renal cortex) Location - in between the renal pyramids. Renal Pyramid - Function - transports urine from the cortical, or outer, part of the kidney, where urine is produced, to the calyces. Location - look at diagram Bladder - Function - stores urine, allowing urination to be infrequent and voluntary. Location - a muscular sac in the pelvis, just above and behind the pubic bone Urethra (women) - Function - tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body. The urethra works as a tube connecting the urinary bladder to the genitals. Urethra (males) - Function - tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body. The urethra works as a tube connecting the urinary bladder to the genitals.