Difference Between Left and Right Kidney

Last Updated : 01 May, 2023

The left and right kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine in the abdominal cavity. Despite their similar appearance and function, there are some differences between the left and right kidneys. The main difference between the left and right kidneys is that the right kidney is usually slightly lower than the left kidney, due to the presence of the liver on the right side of the body. The left kidney is positioned higher up, just below the diaphragm

Structure of Human Kidney

Each human kidney measures 10 cm to 12 cm in length, 5 to 6 cm in width, and 2 to 3 cm in thickness. They weigh between 120 and 170g on average. The inner concave side of the kidney contains a notch known as the hilum, through which the nerves and ureters enter. The renal pelvis is a large funnel-shaped area located on the inner side of the hilum. The kidney’s outer layer is a robust membrane. There are two zones in the kidney, one called the outer cortex and the other the inner medulla. The medulla is divided into conical masses.

Each kidney is made up of around one million complex tubular structures known as nephrons. It has split into two sections: the glomerulus and the renal tubule. The glomerulus is a cluster of capillaries formed by the afferent arteriole. The bowman’s capsule, which covers the glomerulus, is a structure comparable to the cup that starts the renal tubule. The Malpighian body consists of Glomerulus and the Bowman’s capsule. The tubules connect to form a highly coiled network known as a proximal convoluted tube.

Left Kidney

The left kidney is located on the left side of the body, near ribs 11 and 12. The left kidney is usually 0.5 to 1.5 cm longer than the right kidney. The anterior surface of the left kidney is associated with the left suprarenal gland, spleen, pancreas, stomach, left colic flexure of the large intestine, and the jejunum, while the posterior surface is associated with the ribs 11 and 12, diaphragm, psoas major, quadratus lumborum, tendon of the transverses abdominal muscle, and transverse process of vertebra L1.

Right Kidney

The right kidney is located on the right side of the body, near rib12. The right suprarenal gland, liver, descending section of the duodenum, right colic flexure of the large intestine, and small intestine are all connected to the anterior surface of the right kidney.
Furthermore, the posterior aspect of the right kidney is linked to the rib12, diaphragm, psoas major, quadratus lumborum, transverse abdominal muscle tendon, and transverse process of vertebra L1.

Difference Between Left and Right Kidney

Characteristic	Left Kidney	Right Kidney
Location	It is placed on the left side of the body near the 11th and the 12th rib.	It is present on the right side of the body near the 12th rib.
Originate	The left renal artery originates from the aorta	The right renal artery originates from the inferior vena cava.
Size	Larger in size.	Smaller in size.
Position	It is positioned slightly higher.	It is positioned slightly lower.
Blood supply	Blood is served by the left renal artery.	Blood is served by the right renal artery.
Weight	Usually weighs slightly more than the right kidney.	Usually weighs slightly less than the left kidney.
Veins	Drained by the left renal vein, which is longer and passes anterior to the aorta.	Drained by the right renal vein, which is shorter and passes posterior to the aorta.
Relation to adrenal glands	The adrenal gland of the left kidney is usually larger and more separate from the kidney.	The adrenal gland of the right kidney is usually smaller and more intimately associated with the kidney.
Perinephric fat	More perinephric fat surrounds the left kidney.	Less perinephric fat surrounding the right kidney.

FAQs on Left and Right Kidney

Q1: Can a person live with only one Kidney?

Answer:

Yes, a person can live with only one kidney, provided it is functioning correctly.

Q2: What causes Kidney Pain?

Answer:

Kidney pain can be caused by various factors, such as infection, kidney stones, or injury.

Q3: Are there any exercises that can help improve Kidney Function?

Answer:

Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can help improve kidney function and overall health.

Q4: How can I prevent Kidney Disease?

Answer:

Preventing kidney disease involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.