General information about the kidneys
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine.
The kidneys filter your blood to remove wastes and excess fluid to make urine. It also help control blood pressure and make hormones that your body needs.
Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. The urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through two thin tubes of muscle called ureters, one on each side of your bladder. Your bladder stores urine. Your kidneys, ureters, and bladder are part of your urinary tract.
High blood pressure and diabetes may lead to chronic kidney disease.
You have two kidneys that filter your blood, removing wastes and extra water to make urine.
