Genetic studies performed in humans and mutant mice have implicated a number of critical genes, in utero environmental factors and molecular mechanisms that regulate nephron endowment and kidney size.

Each nephron is made of a tubule and is responsible for 'cleaning' the blood by removing urea, excess water and mineral ions. Blood passes into the many capillaries inside the kidney. The blood is ...

Blood is transported to the kidney through the renal artery. The blood is filtered at a high pressure and the kidney selectively reabsorbs any useful materials such as glucose, salt ions and water.