What Is the Difference Between Left and Right Kidney in Position Structure and Function
Kidneys are a vital organ in the human body as it filters the blood and removes impurities from it. Moreover, it helps in eliminating wastes along with maintaining fluid balance in the human body. Also, these renal organs help in balancing an electrolyte level. These pairs of organs are of a bean shape, and they are present on both sides of the spine. However, there is a visible contrast in both kidneys. Let’s learn about the left vs right kidney in detail!
Some of the below-mentioned points show what left vs right kidney implies. Read them to learn about them in detail.
Left and Right Kidney- Difference
Multiple Choice Questions
We have arranged a set of solved questions on the left vs right kidney. Give it a read to gain an insight into the subject and master your studies!
1. The capability of Kidneys to excrete urine in concentration increases if ________
The flow of blood via the medulla reduces.
The flow increases via Henle’s loop.
Reduction in the amount of sodium and potassium via a loop.
The rate at which blood travels from the medulla rises.
None of these.
Ans: a.
2. An increase in the amount of reabsorption of sodium within distal tubes results in the rise of __________.
Blood flow.
Sugar level.
Secretion of aldosterone.
None of these.
Ans: c.
3. Which of the following renal sites is responsible for secreting organic ions?
Proximal tube
Henle’s loop
Nephrons
None of them
Ans: a
4. An increase in the rate of glomerular filtration occurs due to _________.
A decrease in plasma protein concentration.
Increase in renal blood movement.
Reduction in flow of renal blood.
None of the above.
Ans: a
Do It Yourself
Here are a few questions regarding the left vs right kidney and its functioning in a human frame. Try to solve them to gain a better insight on the topic!
1. Which of these gets used for identifying renal stones in Kidneys?
Ultrasound.
CT scan.
Dialysis.
MRI scan.
None of these.
2. Which of these ones does not have a relation with Kidney disease?
Down’s syndrome.
Anemia.
Cardiac arrest.
None of them.
From the above discussion, you should have a clear idea of the difference between the right kidney and the left one. Further, if you wish to learn more about such engaging topics, download Vedantu’s app from the Play Store now!
FAQs on Difference Between Left and Right Kidney in Human Body
1. What is the difference between the left and right kidney?
The main difference between the left kidney and the right kidney is their position and size, with the left kidney being slightly higher and larger than the right.
- The right kidney lies slightly lower due to the presence of the large liver above it.
- The left kidney is positioned slightly higher in the abdominal cavity.
- The left kidney is usually a little longer and narrower than the right.
- Both kidneys perform the same physiological functions in filtration and urine formation.
2. Why is the right kidney lower than the left kidney?
The right kidney is lower than the left kidney because it is pushed down by the large liver located above it.
- The liver occupies a significant portion of the right upper abdomen.
- This reduces the vertical space available for the right kidney.
- As a result, the right kidney sits about 1–2 cm lower than the left kidney.
3. Is the left kidney bigger than the right kidney?
Yes, the left kidney is usually slightly larger and longer than the right kidney.
- The average length of the left kidney is slightly greater.
- The difference in size is mainly due to space limitation on the right side caused by the liver.
- Despite the size difference, both kidneys have equal functional capacity.
4. Do the left and right kidneys have different functions?
No, both the left and right kidneys perform the same essential functions in the body.
- They filter blood through millions of nephrons.
- They remove metabolic wastes like urea and creatinine.
- They regulate water balance, electrolytes, and blood pressure.
- They produce hormones such as erythropoietin and renin.
5. How does the position of the left and right kidney differ in the human body?
The left kidney is located slightly higher in the abdominal cavity than the right kidney.
- Both kidneys lie on either side of the vertebral column in the posterior abdomen.
- The left kidney typically lies between the T12 and L3 vertebrae.
- The right kidney is positioned slightly lower due to the liver.
- Both are protected by the lower ribs and surrounding fat.
6. Are there structural differences between the left and right kidney?
Structurally, the left and right kidneys are almost identical except for minor differences in size and position.
- Both contain an outer renal cortex and inner renal medulla.
- Each kidney has a renal pelvis that collects urine.
- Both are supplied by a renal artery and drained by a renal vein.
- The internal arrangement of nephrons is the same in both.
7. Which kidney is more prone to injury, left or right?
The right kidney may be slightly more prone to injury because it is positioned lower and has less rib protection than the left kidney.
- The left kidney is partially shielded by the 11th and 12th ribs.
- The right kidney is slightly more exposed due to its lower position.
- However, both kidneys are generally well protected by muscles and fat.
8. What organs surround the left and right kidneys?
The left and right kidneys are surrounded by different neighboring organs due to their position in the abdomen.
- The right kidney is related to the liver, duodenum, and ascending colon.
- The left kidney is related to the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and descending colon.
- Both are located behind the peritoneum, making them retroperitoneal organs.
9. Can a person live with only one kidney, left or right?
Yes, a person can live a normal life with only one functional kidney, either left or right.
- The remaining kidney undergoes compensatory hypertrophy, increasing its efficiency.
- It can filter blood sufficiently to maintain normal body functions.
- Regular medical monitoring is recommended to maintain kidney health.
10. What is the similarity between the left and right kidney?
The left and right kidneys are similar in structure, function, and microscopic organization.
- Both contain millions of nephrons as functional units.
- Both perform glomerular filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
- Both regulate acid–base balance and blood volume.
- Both contribute to the formation of urine.
