Kidney

Healthy kidneys function to filter extra water and wastes from the blood and remove them from the body as urine. The kidneys also help control blood pressure, keep body chemicals in balance, keep bones strong, tell your body to make red blood cells and help children grow normally.

The kidneys are located in the back of the abdomen on each side of the spine. The kidney on the right is underneath the liver, and the kidney on the left is underneath the diaphragm. Nephrology is the medical field that specializes in the study of the kidneys and kidney diseases.

Related articles on DaVita.com

External links

Organizations

Get Free Kidney-Friendly Cookbooks

DOWNLOAD NOW
680,830 Enjoyed So Far!

Learn to manage your kidney health.

Get your questions answered in a no-cost Kidney Smart® class.

FIND A CLASS

How Is Kidney Function Measured?

Learn how your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) serves as an indicator of kidney function.

WATCH NOW

Find a Dialysis Center

Call 1-800-424-6589 now to talk to one of our placement specialists.

SEARCH NOW