Parts of the Kidney

Our Kidneys sit on the posterior of our bodies, just below our diaphragm at the lower end of our rib cage.  Each Kidney is about 11cm long, the size of a fist or a desktop computer mouse.  Our Right Kidney is 8% smaller by volume and sits slightly lower than our Left Kidney.  The major regions of the Kidney include:

• Renal Parenchyma - the structural tissue of the Kidney
• Collecting System - urinary drainage system for the Kidney
• Ureter - transports collected Urine to the Bladder
• Renal Artery & Vein - bring blood to and from the Kidney

© 2008 University of Louisville, School of Medicine.

• Upper & Lower Polar Regions
• Renal Hilum (Medial) and Lateral Regions
• Renal Pelvis Region
• Renal Capsule - outer surface layer of the Kidney

© 2011 Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School.