Kidneys
Description
There are two kidneys. Each is 4-6 ounces, 4.5 inches long, 2-3 inches broad, and 1 inch thick. About 400 gallons of blood flow through the kidneys in one day.
Function
The kidneys form urine from blood plasma. They are a blood purifier. They are the major regulators of the water, electrolyte, blood pressure, and acid-base content of the blood and, indirectly many body fluids. They also eliminate toxic wastes such as urea. Kidneys were once popularly regarded as the seat of the conscience and reflection, and a number of verses in the Bible (eg. Ps. 7:9, Rev. 2:23) state that God searches out and inspects the kidneys of humans. Similarly, the Talmud (Berakhoth 61a) states that one of the two kidneys counsels what is good, and the other evil.
Color
Purplish and brown in color.
Shape
Like large kidney beans.
Direction
Above the waist.
Location
Mid back, behind the abdomen - one on each side of the spine.
Delimitation
Surrounded by back and abdomen.
Meditation on Kidneys