Why is Right Kidney lower than left?

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Why is Right Kidney lower than left?

Kidneys are the major organ in the urinary system. It is located on either side of the abdominal cavity, behind the peritoneum in a slightly oblique angle. Each kidney is shaped like a bean with concave and convex surfaces that have specific functions and is intended to be in such shape for its purpose to be meaningfully served. The kidney approximately measures 11–14 cm in length, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick. This organ is said to have five main functions that contribute to maintaining the body’s adequate performance for everyday living. The most basic function of the kidney is to excrete wastes. Metabolic wastes usually come in the form of urine, which is composed of nitrogenous wastes and uric acid. The kidney is also responsible for maintaining the acid base balance within the body by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate. In addition to that, the kidney performs a vital role in regulating the osmolality and blood pressure level among individuals. And finally, the kidney has the ability to secrete hormones that facilitate adequate renal blood circulation.
One fact about the kidney that somehow brings most people into query is the asymmetry between the two existing kidneys. As visually studied, it was found that the right kidney is evidently lower than the left kidney. The reason why the two kidneys vary in its alignment is because of the presence of the liver in the upper right area of the abdomen. Since the liver is dominantly located at the right, the right kidney cannot compress itself towards the liver just to come in symmetry with the left kidney. In normal anatomical positioning therefore, it is not unusual for one to see the right kidney to be slightly lower than the left.

Author: plaza

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