Kidney vs Liver - Anatomy, Functioning and Diseases

The human body relies on two vital organs for survival — the liver and kidneys. These organs play a crucial role in waste elimination and digestion of food, ensuring the body functions optimally.

While both the two kidneys, and liver share the responsibility of waste removal, they differ in terms of location, functions, size, colour, and more. In this blog post, we'll delve into the fundamental distinctions between these essential organs to enhance your understanding.

What is the Liver?

The liver also known as the human body’s storehouse is located on the right side of the abdomen area and is the second-largest organ. It performs many crucial functions in the body to sustain life. Moreover, it is the only organ in the human body that holds the ability to regenerate itself. 

Liver Anatomy (Structure of Liver)

The liver is dark reddish brown and has a triangular wedge-shaped spongy structure. The size of this organ varies with the individual’s height and weight. Four lobes are present: the larger right lobe and left lobe, and the smaller caudate lobe and quadrate lobe.

It is covered by a layer of fibrous tissue called Glisson’s capsule. Further, this tissue is covered by the peritoneum. This coverage helps protect the liver kidney damage and the kidney function from any physical damage.

Functions of Liver

The other liver and kidney performs many important functions, such other functions such as:

• Production of bile - The liver produces a fluid called bile, which helps digest and absorb vitamins, cholesterol, and fats in the body.
• Stores vitamins and iron - The liver stores vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. It also helps to store iron in the form of ferritin to make new red blood cells.
• Helps in maintaining glucose level - The liver stores carbohydrates in the form of glycogen, which is further broken down into glucose and released into the blood to maintain the body's glucose level.
• Regeneration property - The liver holds the property to regenerate itself. In the human body, regeneration takes 8-15 days. 
• Performs immunological function - The liver has ‘kupffer’ cells, which are involved in immune activity and destroy disease-causing agents in the body.
• Filters blood - The blood that leaves the stomach and intestine further passes through the liver, which helps in removing harmful substances.

Major parts of the Liver

Here are some important parts of the liver-

• Lobes
• Peritoneum
• Lobules
• Common hepatic duct
• Falciform ligament
• Glisso’s capsule
• Hepatic artery
• Hepatic portal vein

Liver Diseases

Here are some common diseases of the liver disease kidney and liver disease and liver health along with symptoms -

1. Hepatitis

It is the inflammation of the liver caused by several toxic substances and conditions common causes like viral infection, alcohol consumption, different health conditions, food, and some medications.

Symptoms -

• Fatigue
• Vomit
• Nausea
• Joint pain
• Jaundice

2. Fatty liver

In this condition, the vacuoles of liver cancer, fat build up in the liver cells. This can be a result of chronic, of diabetes, obesity or alcohol use.

Symptoms -

• Pain
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Fatigue

3. Alcoholic liver disease

Individuals who consume too much alcohol may suffer from this condition. 

Symptoms -

• Swollen stomach
• Jaundice
• Blood in stool or vomit

What is the kidney?

The liver and kidneys are one of the crucial organs in the human body responsible for filtering blood and removing toxins from the body. These two bean-shaped organs are located beneath the abdomen and rib cage. Moreover, kidneys are responsible for energy and for balancing the fluids in the body, mainly water and electrolytes.

Kidney Anatomy (Structure of Kidney)

The kidneys sit on each side of the spine. The right kidney is situated below the kidney function the left one because the other kidney and liver health is on the spine' right side. This bean-shaped organ weighs approximately 115 to 155 grams in females and 125 to 175 grams in males. The kidneys measure about 11 to 14 cm in length, 4 cm thick, and about 6 cm wide.

This organ is protected by ribs, fat, and muscles. Furthermore, a thick layer of perirenal fat protects the kidneys from external damage from disease or injury. The entry and exit point to the nerves, ureter, and vessels is through the renal hilum.

Functions of Kidney

The kidneys perform some important functions like - 

• Helps in removing toxins - Each kidney in the human body filters blood and removes toxins through urine.
• Assist in removing excess fluid -The second most crucial function carried out by the kidneys involves the regulation of body fluids through the elimination of excess water.
• Balance minerals and chemicals - The kidneys are also responsible for balancing different minerals and chemicals like sodium, calcium, potassium, hydrogen, and magnesium in the body.
• Manage blood pressure - The kidneys build up different hormones that help regulate water and salt in the body, this plays an important role in controlling the blood pressure.
• Production of red blood cells - The kidney produces erythropoietin and it is responsible for the production of red blood cells (RBC).
• Reabsorption of the nutrients - The kidneys reabsorb the nutrients from the blood and transport them to support health.

Major parts of the kidneys

Here are some important parts of the kidneys

• Renal corpuscle
• Renal cortex
• Renal pyramids
• Nephrons
• Renal medulla
• Ureter
• Hilum
• Renal tubules

Kidney Diseases

Here are some common diseases liver cancer of the liver failure kidneys with symptoms -

1. Kidney stones

In this condition, hard deposits of minerals, calcium and salts form inside the liver damage kidneys because itchy skin of several reasons.

Symptoms - 

• Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea
• Burning sensation while urinating

2. Urinary tract infections

It is a common infection that occurs when certain bacteria reach the urethra and cause infection in the liver and kidney, and urinary tract.

Symptoms - 

• Blood in urine
• Urge to urinate
• Burning sensation while urinating

3. Chronic kidney disease

In this condition, kidneys lose their ability to function properly and it worsens over time.

Symptoms -

• Weight loss
• Blood in urine
• Urge to urinate
• Itchiness
• Swollen feet and ankles

Difference between Kidney and Liver

• The liver belongs to the digestive system of the body, whereas the kidneys belong to the urinary system of the body.
• The liver is responsible for the production of bile, whereas kidneys regulate blood pressure, maintain pH, and secret some hormones.
• There is only one liver in the human body, whereas there are two kidneys in the human body.
• The liver helps in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, whereas the kidneys help in removing toxins.
• The liver stores fat, iron, glycogen, and vitamins, whereas the kidneys do not store any substance.

Conclusion

We can conclude by saying that the liver and kidneys emerge as integral components within our human anatomy. Their indispensability becomes evident as the proper functioning of largest internal organ within our body relies significantly on these organs. The absence of the liver and kidney, would leave our digestive system incomplete, while the absence of the liver and kidneys would render our excretory system inadequate. These two organs are intricately designed to execute distinct yet vital functions essential for our overall survival.