The renal lobe, also known as the left or right kidney, is one of two organs of the genitourinary system located on the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity. It plays an important role in filtering the blood and removing waste and excess fluid from the body.
The renal lobe is bean-shaped, about 11 cm long, about 5 cm wide and about 3 cm thick. It is located at the level of the last thoracic and first lumbar vertebrae and is protected by the ribs and muscles of the abdominal wall. Each kidney is made up of many small filtering units called nephrons, which together with the ureter and bladder form the urinary system.
Nephrons filter the blood, removing excess water, mineral salts and other waste products, which are excreted from the body through urine. In addition, the renal lobe also plays an important role in regulating fluid and electrolyte levels in the body, as well as maintaining acid-base balance.