munuaista

Munuaista, known in English as kidneys, are a pair of bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the spine. They filter blood, remove wastes, and produce urine, which is transported to the bladder via the ureters.

Each kidney contains about a million nephrons, the functional units. Blood reaches the kidneys through the renal arteries and is filtered in glomeruli. Fluid then passes through tubules where water and nutrients are reabsorbed, while wastes are secreted into the forming urine. The urine collects in the renal pelvis and moves via the ureter to the bladder.

Beyond waste removal, the kidneys regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, maintain acid-base balance, and help control blood pressure through the renin-angiotensin system. They also produce hormones such as erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production, and activate vitamin D to support calcium metabolism.

Common conditions affecting munuaista include chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), and polycystic kidney disease. Kidney function is typically assessed with measurements such as serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), along with urine tests and imaging. Treatments vary from lifestyle interventions and medications to dialysis or kidney transplantation in advanced cases.

Maintaining kidney health involves hydration, blood pressure and glucose control, avoiding nephrotoxic substances, and regular medical checkups, especially for individuals with diabetes or hypertension. The term munuaista is Finnish for kidneys, reflecting their central role in renal physiology.