Kidney Dissection Lab

Purpose: To dissect a mammalian kidney to observe its internal structures and observe the

structure of a nephron using a microscope.

Observations:

Part A -

Measurements:

Width 12cm, length 13.5cm

Part B –

Nephron Cell Under a Microscope

Analysis:

1. a) The cortex is the outside of the kidney and is orangish-red in colour.

b) The medulla are red circular portions on the inner part of the kidney.

c) The renal pelvis is a whiteish area in the middle of the kidney that attaches to the ureter

tube.

2. a) The Loop of Henle is found in the medulla of the kidneys, more specifically within the

nephron.

b) Bowman’s Capsule is found in the renal cortex of the kidneys.

3. The reason why the kidney is mostly “red” in colour is because their function is to filter

blood and maintain balance. This requires blood vessels to run through the kidneys,

resulting in the red colour.

4. Filtration in the kidneys occurs in the nephrons.

5. The advantage of having so many nephrons in a human kidney are an increase in the rate

at which humans can filter blood, form urine, and balance salts and minerals.

6. a) The afferent arteriole is used to bring oxygenated blood and into the kidney.

b. The efferent arteriole is used to carry deoxygenated blood and waste away from the

kidney.

c. The Bowman’s capsule filtrates blood which it sends to the renal tube for further

filtration.

d. The proximal tubule is used for reabsorption and regulation in terms of homeostasis.

e. The distal tubule is used to regulate pH, electrolytes, water, and ions.

f. The Loop of Henle reabsorbs water and salt in the nephron.

7.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urinary tract; most commonly affecting the

bladder. UTI’s occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, this can be caused by dehydration

(being unable to flush out toxins and waste), feminine products, kidney stones, intercourse,

constipation, and much more. Women are more prone to UTI’s since their urethra is shorter

than men’s, meaning the bacteria has a shorter distance to travel to the bladder.
UTI’s will have varying symptoms depending on the type, and sometimes will show no

symptoms at all. The most common symptoms include frequent urination, a burning

sensation when urinating, pelvic pain, and urine appearing cloudy, red, or pink.

Treatment options for UTI’s vary based on severity and frequency. A typical UTI will be

treated through antibiotics, the medicine is determined by the type of bacteria causing the

infection. Though fluoroquinolones aren’t regularly recommended for the treatment of UTI’s

they may be necessary in compilated cases. If a person is getting frequent UTI’s they may

take antibiotics on a longer-term scale than the usual 1-3 days to combat the infection. In

severe cases a hospital visit may be required.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, October 6). Urinary tract infection.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html

Kat. (2017, December 27). 8 most common causes of utis. Geelong Medical & Health

Group. https://www.geelongmedicalgroup.com.au/2017/12/8-most-common-causes-of-utis

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 14). Urinary tract

infection (UTI). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-

infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353453

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Urinary tract infections. Urinary

tract infections | Office on Women’s Health.

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections