Kidney Anatomy and Function

There are five main functions of the kidney:

• Clean blood and remove waste products
• Balance water and salt to control weight and fluid in the body
• Help make red blood cells and build strong bones
• Control the amount of potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus in the blood

The urinary tract is made up of the following:

• There are two (2) kidneys; this is where urine is made.
• There are two (2) ureters that drain the urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• There is one bladder. It is like a balloon and holds urine until you are ready to urinate.
• There is one urethra that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
• Renal veins are blood vessels (tubes) that take blood away from the kidney.
• Renal arteries are tubes (blood vessels) that bring blood to the kidney.