Where are the kidneys located?
The kidneys are located on either side of the body underneath the diaphragm near the lower back. Each kidney is connected to the bladder in the pelvis by ureters (long tube-like structures) that drain the urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine stored in the bladder is excreted from the body through the urethra. Picture of the Kidneys and Urinary Structures What is a kidney infection? The main components of the urinary tract are kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Any part of the urinary system may become infected and this is generally referred to as urinary tract infection (UTI). • Lower urinary tract infection involves the urethra, the bladder, and, in men, the prostate gland. • Upper urinary tract infection refers to infection of the kidneys. • Infection of the kidneys is also known as pyelonephritis.
