# What are the kidneys?

The the kidneys is called the kidneys. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a pair of bean-shaped organs.

## What it means

- A pair of bean-shaped organs.
- About the size of a fist each.
- Filter blood to make urine and regulate salt, water, and acid balance.

## Action steps

1. At the back of the upper abdomen, one on each side of the spine.
2. Behind the peritoneum.
3. Protected by the lower ribs; the right kidney sits slightly lower than the left.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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