Here are some fun facts about kidneys for Kids
- Kidneys are not the only organs that can filter blood. The liver also plays a role in filtering blood and removing toxins from the body.
- Kidneys are about the size of a fist and are located in the abdomen, on either side of the spine.
- The kidneys filter about 120-150 quarts of blood every day, producing about 1-2 quarts of urine.
- Kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure by releasing hormones that help to control blood volume and the constriction and dilation of blood vessels.
- The kidneys are highly vascular organs, meaning they have a rich blood supply. In fact, about 20% of the blood pumped by the heart goes directly to the kidneys.
- Each kidney contains about 1 million tiny filters called nephrons, which help to remove waste products from the blood.
- Kidneys can sometimes grow to be abnormally large, a condition called polycystic kidney disease.
- Eating too much salt can put a strain on the kidneys, as they have to work harder to remove excess salt from the body.
- The kidneys also play a role in the production of red blood cells by releasing a hormone called erythropoietin.
- In ancient times, some cultures believed that the kidney was the seat of the soul or the source of courage and bravery.