Normal Functions

Kidneys

Most individuals have two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, located on either side of the spine at the lowest level of the rib cage. Sometimes, it may be absent from birth. Each kidney contains up to a million functioning units (filtering units) called nephrons.

The kidneys perform their life-sustaining job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. About two quarts are removed from the body in the form of urine, and about 198 quarts are recovered. The urine we excrete has been stored in the bladder for anywhere from 1 to 8 hours.

What is the role of kidneys?

The kidneys perform the following functions:

• Remove waste products from the body
• Remove drugs from the body
• Balance the body’s fluids
• Release hormones that regulate blood pressure
• Produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
• Control the production of red blood cells

What are common causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD, also called Renal Failure)?

CKD is a condition where kidneys don’t work properly for 3 months or longer. Diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infections, neglected large kidney stones, Inherited Diseases, long term usage of certain pain killers (NSAIDs) are common causes of CKD. It is diagnosed by doing blood and urine tests.

Urinary Bladder

What is the bladder?

The bladder is a storage organ that sits in your pelvis. Urine is made by your kidneys and stored in the bladder until you are ready to empty it. When you go to the toilet your bladder outlet muscles (urethral sphincter and pelvic floor) relax and your bladder contracts (squeezes) emptying your bladder of urine. Your brain controls your bladder by sending messages to tell it when to hold on and when to empty.