ETYM Old Eng. kidnei, kidnere, from Icel. koithr belly, womb (akin to Goth. gipus, AS. cwith womb) + Old Eng. nere kidney.
In vertebrates, one of a pair of organs responsible for fluid regulation, excretion of waste products, and maintaining the ionic composition of the blood. The kidneys are situated on the rear wall of the abdomen. Each one consists of a number of long tubules; the outer parts filter the aqueous components of blood, and the inner parts selectively reabsorb vital salts, leaving waste products in the remaining fluid (urine), which is passed through the ureter to the bladder.
The action of the kidneys is vital, although if one is removed, the other enlarges to take over its function. A patient with two defective kidneys may continue near-normal life with the aid of a kidney machine or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD); or a kidney transplant may be recommended.
Secretes and discharges urine to the bladder. + prikaži više