What are Kidney Stones?

Your kidneys are the chemical filters for your body. These bean-shaped organs constantly screen your blood, removing wastes and excess fluids. Healthy kidneys maintain the chemical balance your body needs.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are made up of chemical crystals that separate out from urine. These Crossection of kidneys, ureter, and bladder. Kidney stones can accumulate in the kidneys and in the ureter.crystals clump together to make “stones.” They form in the calix of the kidney. They may stay in the kidney or move into the urinary tract.

Why Kidney Stones Form

Kidneys form stones for many reasons. If you don’t drink enough fluid, for instance, you won’t have enough urine to dilute chemicals. Then the chemicals may form crystals, which can develop into stones.

  • Family history – if relatives have had kidney stones, you’re more likely to have them, too.

Where Stones Form

Stones begin in the cup-shaped part of the kidney (calix). Some stay and grow. Others move within the kidney or into the ureter. There they can lodge, block the flow of urine, and cause pain.

