How Many Kidneys Do We Have

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Most people are born with two kidneys, which are located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. However, it is possible to live with only one kidney, as the extra can be donated in the event of renal failure.

The primary role of the kidneys is to filter waste products and toxins from the blood and excrete them as urine. A healthy kidney is able to perform this vital function with no assistance from the other. Each kidney is composed of approximately one million nephrons, which serve as the body’s own filters to remove waste products and reabsorb important substances such as water and electrolytes.

In the event of a kidney failure, the other kidney often compensates for the loss by taking on additional work. This is because the kidneys are highly resilient and are able to adjust to changing workloads.

In rare cases, an individual may be born with only one kidney. This is known as renal agenesis and often results from genetic mutations or an abnormality in the development of the fetus. For these individuals, the single kidney is able to adequately perform all of its functions. It is very important, however, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to minimize any trauma to the organ by avoiding alcohol and drug abuse, as well as other behavior that puts the kidney at risk.

In some cases, one or both kidneys may fail due to chronic or acute illness. In these cases, dialysis can be used to filter the blood and support life until a matched donor kidney becomes available for a transplant.

In summary, the average human being is born with two kidneys, both of which perform the vital role of filtering out toxins from the blood and excrete them in the form of urine. While lifestyle can play a role in the health of these organs, individuals can live with one kidney if necessary. In serious cases, dialysis can be used in the short-term until a kidney transplant is possible.