What anatomical reason accounts for one kidney being lower than the other?

The rationale behind one kidney being positioned lower than the other is primarily due to the presence of the liver. The liver, which is a large organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, is substantial in size and occupies significant space. As a result, the right kidney is generally situated slightly lower than the left kidney in order to accommodate the liver's position. This anatomical arrangement allows both the kidneys and liver to function effectively without interfering with each other's operations.

Understanding this helps clarify the organization of abdominal organs, showing how their sizes and placements impact the positioning of other structures within the body.