It is common for doctors to assume that you know the basic structure of the kidneys. When they discuss the results of certain radiology tests (such as ultrasounds and CT’s), it is possible that they will what is wrong but not necessary what is normal. Without knowing what is normal, it is hard to appreciate how something is abnormal. At the very least, you should know that the kidneys are:
- Two Paired Organs: Early in pregnancy, the kidneys become two distinct but paired organs. In some people (1 in 1,000), only one kidney develops and this is called congenital agenesis.
- Shaped Like Beans: The kidneys are bean shaped. In some people (1 in 400), the two kidneys fuse into a single horseshoe-shaped one.
- Located in Your Lower Back: The kidneys lie in the backside of the abdomen on either side of the spine. Some people are born with an ectopic kidney, meaning that it is not in the proper location.
- Roughly the Size of Your Fist: On the average, the kidneys are about 11-12 cm in length, 7-8 cm wide, 2-3 cm thick and weigh about 1/4 to 1/3 pound each. Their size will depend on how big you are. If they are very large, it suggests congestion or inflammation. If they are very small, it suggests scarring.
