k-i-d-n-e-y
KIDNEY is a vital organ that filters blood, removes waste, and produces urine. Humans typically have two kidneys located in the lower back.
14
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
KIDNEY refers to either of two bean-shaped organs in the renal system that filter blood, remove waste products, regulate blood pressure, and produce urine. Located on either side of the spine in the lower back, kidneys are essential for maintaining the body's chemical balance and overall health. Each kidney contains about a million tiny filtering units called nephrons. These remarkable organs process about 200 quarts of blood daily, producing about 2 quarts of urine. Beyond waste removal, kidneys help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and maintain the body's calcium and phosphorus balance.Key functions of kidneys:
The word kidney has a fascinating etymology combining body parts and shape descriptions. It derives from Middle English kidenei, which came from an earlier form kidenere. This appears to be a compound of two elements. The first part may come from Old English cwið meaning "womb" or "belly," or possibly from cēod meaning "bag" or "pouch." The second element nēre is related to niere, from Proto-Germanic *neurô, which also gave us the archaic English word "neer" for kidney. The modern spelling emerged in the 14th century. Interestingly, many Germanic languages use completely different roots - German uses Niere, while Romance languages use variations of Latin ren (as in "renal"). The bean-like shape of kidneys has made "kidney-shaped" a common descriptive term, and "kidney bean" was named for its resemblance to the organ.
•Humans can live normally with just one kidney - many people donate a kidney while living
•Your kidneys filter your entire blood supply about 40 times per day
•The first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954 between identical twins
•Kidney beans are named after the organ due to their similar shape and color
•Each kidney is about the size of a fist and weighs 4-6 ounces
"The doctor explained that her kidney function tests came back normal."
"He decided to become a living kidney donor for his brother."
"Drinking plenty of water helps maintain healthy kidney function."
Related medical vocabulary
Renal
Relating to kidneys
Nephro-
Kidney-related prefix
Urinary organ
Functional description
Filter organ
Based on function
Other organs and systems
Liver
Another vital organ
Bladder
Stores kidney output
Ureter
Connects to kidney
Adrenal gland
Sits atop kidney
Plural Form
kidneys
Both kidneys were functioning normally.
Possessive Form
kidney's
The kidney's main function is filtration.
Related Terms
How well kidneys work
Organ replacement surgery
Artificial blood filtering
If you can't play KIDNEY, consider these subwords:
Kidneys are essential organs that maintain homeostasis in the body. They regulate fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and blood pressure. The kidneys produce hormones including erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production) and calcitriol (active vitamin D). Without functioning kidneys, toxic waste products accumulate, leading to life-threatening conditions.
Kidney stones affect 1 in 11 people, causing severe pain as mineral deposits pass through the urinary system. Chronic kidney disease affects 15% of adults, often caused by diabetes or hypertension. Acute kidney injury can occur suddenly from dehydration, medications, or infections. Early detection through regular testing is crucial for treatment.
Protecting kidney health involves staying hydrated (6-8 glasses of water daily), limiting sodium intake, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive use of NSAIDs. Regular blood pressure monitoring and diabetes management are crucial. The National Kidney Foundation recommends annual screening for at-risk individuals.
Location confusion
Kidneys are in the back, not the front abdomen
Number needed
Can live with one healthy kidney
Pain location
Kidney pain is felt in the flank/back area
Other valuable anatomical terms in Scrabble
Total base points: 14 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4
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