The kidneys are located in the posterior part of the abdomen, one on each side of the spine. They lie just below the rib cage, typically extending from the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12) down to the 3rd lumbar vertebra (L3). The right kidney is usually positioned slightly lower than the left due to the presence of the liver on the right side. Both kidneys are situated behind the peritoneum (retroperitoneal position) on the posterior abdominal wall. They are partially protected by the 11th and 12th ribs