Every person has 2 kidneys, which are located above the waist on both sides of the spine. These reddish-brown, bean-shaped organs are each about the size of a small fist. They are located closer to the back of the body than to the front. The renal artery brings blood to the kidney and branches into the multi-sectioned medulla. Surrounding the medulla is the cortex. The renal pelvis is the broad opening at the top of the ureter. The renal pelvis connects the center of the kidney to the ureter, which connects to the bladder. Copyright 2004 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Robert Morreale/Visual Explanations, LLC.