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Excretory System

The Kidneys

The Kidneys
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 5 to 7
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   6.47

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    glomeruli, glomerulus, hilus, medulla, nephron, nephrons, pelvis, punches, reabsorbed, secreting, tubule, membrane, inward, illegal, plural, microscope

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The Kidneys
By Jennifer Kenny 		  
1     You have two kidneys that are very important to your body's functioning. They are purplish brown in color because of the rich supply of blood vessels. They are about the size of a grownup's fist, but they weigh less than a pound together. They are located above your waist with one on each side of the spine. The right kidney is slightly lower than the left kidney so the liver can fit.
 
2     At the top of each kidney are adrenal glands. They are not directly connected to the kidneys, but by secreting hormones, they do help control some of the work of the kidneys.
 
3     The kidneys themselves are protected by about an inch of fat. There would be serious consequences if the kidneys were injured. In fact, kidney punches are illegal in the boxing ring because of the risk.

Paragraphs 4 to 7:
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