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Chronic kidney disease
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Human kidneys Anatomical diagram of a kidney section showing the nephron structure, including the renal corpuscle, convoluted tubules, loop of Henle, collecting tubule, and associated blood vessels such as arterioles, capillaries, and veins. Labels identify key parts of the nephron and its vascular system within the renal cortex and medulla.
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Human kidneys
Human kidneys Diagram showing the location of the kidneys in the abdominal cavity and their attachment to major arteries and veins.

Chronic kidney disease

medical condition
Also known as: CKD
Written by
Kara Rogers
Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and...
Kara Rogers
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
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Chronic kidney disease, condition characterized by the progressive loss of the ability of the kidneys to filter waste and fluid from the blood, typically with damage lasting three months or longer before diagnosis. Chronic kidney disease drastically impairs the nephrons, which are the structural and functional units of the kidneys, serving to maintain the body’s balance of fluids, electrolytes, and hormones. This deterioration ultimately leads to life-threatening complications. The condition is a significant cause of...

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