Journal of Clinical & Experimental Nephrology

Kidneys and Homeostasis: The Scientific Journey of Renal Biology

The human body operates as an intricate system of interdependent organs, with each playing a critical role in maintaining overall health and homeostasis. Among these, the kidneys stand out for their extraordinary ability to filter blood, regulate essential processes and maintain internal equilibrium. Renal biology, the scientific study of kidney structure and function, provides insights into these vital organs and their role in health and disease. Each kidney is a bean-shaped organ located on either side of the spine, just below the ribcage. Despite their small size-approximately the size of a fist-the kidneys process around 50 gallons of blood daily. Structurally, the kidney comprises three main regions: The cortex, medulla and pelvis. The cortex, the outer layer, houses nephrons, the functional units of the kidney, while the medulla contains pyramids that channel urine into the renal pelvis, which connects to the ureter.

Author(s): Aiguo Haoyu

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