What is the Difference Between Left and Right Kidney?

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The main differences between the left and right kidneys are:

  • Position: The left kidney is located on the left side of the body near the 11th and 12th rib, while the right kidney is situated on the right side of the body near the 12th rib.
  • Size: The left kidney is slightly longer than the right kidney (around 1.5 cm).
  • Anatomical Association: The anterior surface of the left kidney is associated with the stomach, left suprarenal gland, spleen, pancreas, and jejunum, whereas the anterior surface of the right kidney is linked with the liver, right suprarenal gland, descending part of the duodenum, and small intestine.
  • Blood Flow: The left renal artery provides blood to the left kidney, while the right kidney receives blood from the right renal artery.
  • Location: The left kidney is positioned slightly higher than the right kidney.

Despite these differences, both kidneys have a similar bean shape and perform the same essential functions, such as filtering blood, removing impurities, and maintaining fluid balance in the human body.

Comparative Table: Left vs Right Kidney

The left and right kidneys have some differences in terms of size, position, and blood supply. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the left and right kidneys:

Feature Left Kidney Right Kidney
Size Slightly larger (around 1.5 cm longer) Smaller
Position Located on the left side of the body, near the 11th and 12th rib Located on the right side of the body, near the 12th rib
Height Positioned slightly higher Positioned slightly lower
Blood Supply Served by the left renal artery Served by the right renal artery

In terms of their anterior and posterior surfaces, the left kidney is associated with the stomach, left suprarenal gland, spleen, pancreas, and jejunum, while the right kidney is connected to the liver, right suprarenal gland, descending part of the duodenum, small intestine, and the 12th rib.