What do the kidneys look like?

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, about the size of a fist. They are located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are a dark reddish-brown color and have a smooth, glistening surface. They are surrounded by a layer of fat and are held in place by ligaments and muscles.

The kidneys are made up of two layers of tissue: the cortex and the medulla. The cortex is the outer layer of the kidney and is where most of the blood filtering occurs. The medulla is the inner layer of the kidney and is where the urine is concentrated.

The kidneys are essential for life. They filter waste products from the blood, regulate the body's fluid balance, and produce hormones that help to control blood pressure and red blood cell production.