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Kidneys Facts & Worksheets

The human kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine below the abdomen and responsible for filtering toxins from the blood.

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Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine below the abdomen of the human body. It is part of the urinary system and functions as a filter that secretes toxic waste from the blood and transforms it into urine. This can only be found in the bodies of vertebrate organisms or those possessing backbones or spinal columns.

See the fact file below for more information on the Kidneys, or you can download our 29-page Kidneys worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTIONS

  • The human body has two kidneys that are reddish-brown. Each measures around four to five inches in length or about the size of a fist.
  • Kidneys primarily serve as a filter in the human body which cleanses toxins and waste materials out of the blood. In fact, the kidneys filter about one-half cup of blood per minute.
  • The common waste substances filtered by the kidneys include acids, urea (nitrogen waste), and creatinine (muscle waste) that leaves the body in the form of urine. 
  • Kidneys are a very important organ in the human body, and their other functions include: balancing fluid in the body such as water and electrolytes, controlling PH balance (acid-base balance) in the blood, and producing sugar (glucose) if the blood sugar is inadequate.
  • Kidneys also produce renin that helps in regulating blood pressure. Aside from this, the kidneys activate vitamin D, which is essential in maintaining strong bones. Furthermore, kidneys produce the Erythropoietin hormone, which is important in making red blood cells.

ANATOMY

  • The kidney is a complex organ. The main parts of its anatomy are the following: Kidney capsules or the renal capsule, Renal artery, Renal cortex, Renal medulla, Renal papilla, Renal pelvis, and the Renal vein. 
  • The kidney capsule, also called the renal capsule, is composed of connective tissues covering the kidneys. 
  • It serves as protection for the kidneys from vital injuries and connects the kidneys to their surrounding tissues. This also increases the stability of kidneys.
  • The renal artery is part of the circulatory system. It is a blood vessel that carries unfiltered blood from the aorta to the kidneys. The renal vein is responsible for carrying filtered blood from the kidneys to the inferior vena cava.
  • The renal cortex is the kidney’s outer layer composed of blood vessels connected to the nephrons – the filtering units of the blood. This part of the kidney produces erythropoietin hormones that help create red blood cells. 
  • The renal medulla is the inner region of the kidney. It comprises most numbers of nephrons and Glomeruli or the kidney’s cleaning units which filters excess and waste products fluids from the blood. The renal medulla also has renal tubules that are responsible for carrying urine to the renal pelvis. 
  • The renal papilla is the apex of pyramid-like structures in the kidneys that provide a channel for urinary filtrate to reach the ureters. The renal pelvis is a funnel-like structure in the kidneys, which is responsible for collecting urine and passing it down into each ureter.

BLOOD FILTERING CYCLE 

  • The unfiltered blood from the heart flows into the kidneys through the renal artery; from this large blood vessel, the unfiltered blood travels into the smaller blood vessels until it reaches the nephrons.
  • Once the unfiltered blood reaches the nephrons, it is filtered by the small cleaning blood vessels called glomeruli. The filtered blood from glomeruli will flow out of the kidneys and return to the heart through the renal vein.
  • On the other hand, the waste materials filtered from the blood exit the body in the form of urine, which is carried out by ureters into the bladder.

MOST COMMON KIDNEY DISEASES

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition wherein kidneys are not functioning well and are unable to filter waste products and excess body fluids from the blood. This may lead to other health problems. CKD is caused by other complications or diseases that damage the kidneys. The most common of these are Diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Kidney stones are pebble-like substances that are commonly made of salt and minerals. These stones may be formed inside the kidneys, ureter, and urinary bladder, which may block urine flow, causing the kidneys and ureters to swell. It is formed due to an excessive amount of mineral salts in the body, like calcium oxalate and uric acid. Thus, too much intake of salty foods may lead to kidney stones.
  • Kidney infections or pyelonephritis is a kind of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), which is a painful condition that may occur in any part of the urinary tract. This is caused when the bacteria in the urethra or bladder travel upward to the kidneys. It may lead to a more serious condition when left untreated. 
  • Kidney cancer is formed in the kidneys’ tissues which affects the normal functions of the kidneys. It occurs when kidney cells grow out of control, forming a cancerous tumor.

HEALTHY FOODS AND HABITS FOR THE KIDNEYS

  • Having a healthy kidney is significant in preventing renal complications and diseases. This can be done by eating healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables, berries, sweet potatoes, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 
  • Green and leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and chard are rich in minerals such as calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which are good for the kidneys. 
  • Different kinds of berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help in protecting the cell structure. Furthermore, berries have anti-cancer compounds that help to prevent tumor formation.
  • Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, salmon, and other fish, help reduce unhealthy fats in the blood and lower blood pressure. Eating these kinds of foods lessens the risk of kidney diseases.
  • Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and beta-carotene for the kidneys. It is also rich in potassium, which helps balance the body’s sodium levels. 
  • Aside from eating healthy, the following steps help reduce the risk of kidney problems: drinking adequate amounts of water every day; doing regular exercise; maintaining average Body Mass Index (BMI), regulating blood pressure, and monitoring sugar levels. 

UNHEALTHY FOODS AND HABITS FOR THE KIDNEYS

  • To achieve and maintain healthy kidneys, the following unhealthy foods and habits must be stopped or prevented. 
  • Eating processed foods. Processed foods are rich in sodium and phosphorus compounds that are unhealthy for the bones and kidneys. These kinds of goods are more harmful to people with kidney diseases. Thus regular and excessive eating of these may cause kidney complications or illnesses.
  • Over intake of salt. Foods that are high in sodium increase blood pressure which is harmful to the kidneys. It may lead to the formation of kidney stones that block the way of urine out of the body, causing the kidneys and bladder to swell.
  • Overeating meat. Proteins from animal meat increase the acid levels in the blood, which may harm the kidneys. Thus, long-term excessive intake of these foods may cause acidosis and Chronic Kidney Disease.
  • Too much intake of sweets or sugary foods. Foods that are high in sugar increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, which are the primary causes of kidney diseases. Furthermore, excessive regular sugar intake causes the vessels in the kidneys to become clogged.
  • Aside from abstaining from eating unhealthy foods, the following habits must be prevented to lessen the risk of kidney disease. This includes: overusing painkillers, regularly and excessively drinking alcoholic beverages, and smoking. 

Kidneys Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Kidneys across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Kidneys which are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine below the abdomen.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  • Kidneys Facts
  • Draw and Describe
  • Name my Parts
  • Functioning Parts
  • Sequence it Correctly!
  • Kidney-Bilities
  • Kidney Diseases
  • Healthy Diet
  • Truth or Lie
  • My Habits Checklist
  • Reflection Time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity, near the spine. They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, regulating electrolyte balance, and producing hormones that regulate red blood cell production and promote bone health.

What is the function of the kidneys?

The kidneys perform several important functions, including:

  • Filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood
  • Regulating electrolyte balance (such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorous)
  • Regulating blood pressure
  • Producing hormones that regulate red blood cell production and promote bone health
  • Activating Vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Symptoms of kidney disease can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Changes in urine output and color

What causes kidney disease?

Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the small blood vessels in the kidneys)
  • Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder in which clusters of cysts form in the kidneys)
  • Kidney stones or infection
  • Long-term use of certain medications

How can you protect your kidneys?

There are several ways to protect your kidneys, including:

  • Keeping blood pressure and diabetes under control
  • Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and processed foods
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Exercising regularly
  • Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Being aware of the side effects of any medications you take and discussing them with your doctor.

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Link will appear as Kidneys Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 6, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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