Comparison Table: Structure and Function of Left vs Right Kidney
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: A Complete Guide
1. What are the main differences between the left and right kidney in terms of size and position?
The primary differences between the left and right kidney relate to their anatomical placement and dimensions. The left kidney is typically slightly larger and positioned higher in the abdominal cavity, usually at the level of the T12 to L3 vertebrae. In contrast, the right kidney is smaller and sits slightly lower, displaced by the large size of the liver above it.
2. Why is the right kidney positioned lower than the left kidney in the human body?
The right kidney is positioned lower than the left primarily due to the presence of the liver, the largest internal organ, located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The liver's significant mass pushes the right kidney downwards, resulting in the asymmetrical positioning of the two kidneys. This is a normal anatomical variation found in most individuals.
3. How do the renal arteries supplying the left and right kidneys differ?
The renal arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the kidneys, differ mainly in their length and path.
- The right renal artery is longer than the left because it must cross the midline of the body, travelling behind the inferior vena cava to reach the right kidney.
- The left renal artery is shorter and has a more direct path from the aorta to the left kidney.
4. What is the key difference in venous drainage between the left and right kidneys?
The venous drainage is a significant point of difference. The left renal vein is considerably longer than the right. It travels in front of the aorta to drain into the inferior vena cava. Importantly, it also receives blood from the left adrenal vein and the left gonadal (testicular or ovarian) vein. The right renal vein is much shorter and drains directly into the inferior vena cava without receiving these additional veins.
5. Are there any functional differences between the left and right kidneys?
Functionally, both kidneys perform the same vital roles of filtering blood, removing waste products, and maintaining electrolyte balance. While there can be minor variations in blood flow or filtration rates between the two, for all practical purposes, they are considered to have equal functional importance. The body relies on the combined effort of both kidneys to maintain homeostasis, and neither is considered functionally superior to the other under normal health conditions.
6. How does the hilum's structure differ between the right and left kidney?
The hilum is the concave part of the kidney where the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter enter and exit. While the general arrangement of these structures (Vein, Artery, Ureter from front to back) is similar, their orientation can differ slightly. The left kidney's hilum is often more medially oriented, whereas the structures within the right hilum may show slight rotational differences due to its lower, more tilted position.
7. In a clinical context like kidney donation, why is the left kidney often preferred over the right?
The preference for the left kidney in transplantation surgery is a direct consequence of its anatomy. Surgeons often prefer the left kidney because its renal vein is significantly longer than the right. This extra length provides the surgical team with more tissue to work with when connecting the donor kidney's blood vessels to the recipient's circulatory system, making the procedure technically easier and reducing the risk of complications.
8. How do the anatomical differences between the kidneys relate to major blood vessels like the aorta and inferior vena cava?
The positions of the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava (IVC) are the primary reasons for the vascular differences between the kidneys. The aorta lies to the left of the body's midline, and the IVC lies to the right. Consequently:
- The left renal artery has a short path from the nearby aorta.
- The right renal artery must be longer to cross behind the IVC to reach the right kidney.
- Conversely, the right renal vein has a short path to the nearby IVC.
- The left renal vein must be longer to cross over the aorta to reach the IVC on the right side.
