Question

The kidneys are located where in the body in most animals?

a. Dorsal aspect of the abdomen, cranial to the lumbar vertebra
b. Dorsal aspect of the abdomen, caudal to the lumbar vertebra
c. Ventral aspect of the abdomen, cranial to the lumbar vertebra
d. Ventral aspect of the abdomen, caudal 13th rib

Answer 1

The kidneys are located in the posterior part of the abdomen, one on each side of the spine. They are well protected by muscle, fat, and ribs, and are roughly the size of your fist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The kidneys are located in the posterior part of the abdomen. There is one on each side of the spine; the right kidney sits just below the liver, the left below the diaphragm and adjacent to the spleen. The kidneys lie on either side of the spine in the retroperitoneal space between the parietal peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall, well protected by muscle, fat, and ribs. They are roughly the size of your fist, and the male kidney is typically a bit larger than the female kidney.