Final answer:
The right kidney is displaced lower than the left kidney due to the presence of the liver. This anatomical difference is a result of the liver occupying space in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, causing a lower placement of the right kidney while the left kidney remains unaffected. Option D is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the displacement of the kidneys by the liver. In human anatomy, the kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located retroperitoneally on each side of the spine within the abdominal cavity. Their main function is to filter and eliminate waste from the blood, producing urine.
The liver, on the other hand, is located mostly in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and is a massive organ involved in various vital functions, such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. Due to the presence of the liver, the right kidney is slightly lower compared to the left kidney, which is situated higher. The asymmetry in the positioning of these organs is a result of the accommodating space for the liver.
The left kidney is found at about the T12 to L3 vertebrae, while the right kidney, due to displacement by the liver, is positioned lower. The external anatomy of the kidneys also indicates that they are protected by the eleventh and twelfth ribs and surrounded by adipose tissue and renal fascia for additional protection. This displacement by the liver does not affect both kidneys; rather, it is the right kidney that is affected. Therefore, the correct option is d. right.