What describes a hypoplastic kidney?

A hypoplastic kidney is characterized by its small size along with a reduced number of functional nephrons. This condition results from improper development during embryogenesis, leading to a kidney that does not reach its normal size or nephron count, which impairs proper renal function. Typically, the nephron count correlates with kidney size; therefore, a hypoplastic kidney will inherently have fewer nephrons, which can lead to the kidney being unable to efficiently filter waste or maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. This knowledge is crucial in understanding how congenital abnormalities can affect kidney function and overall health.