LAB 18
URINARY SYSTEM ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY
Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
Name, identify, and describe the gross structures of the urinary system.
Describe the structure of the nephron and identify its parts.
Trace the blood supply of the kidney.
Identify the histological features of the kidney and its nephrons.
A. Gross Structures
C. Nephron Structure
Find these structures on the models and diagrams.
1.
Kidneys
a.
b.
c.
d.
d.
Ureters
3.
Bladder
a.
b.
c.
1.
Cortex
Medulla
Hilum
Pelvis
Capsule, adipose capsule, renal fascia
2.
4.
Find these structures on the models and
diagrams.
Bowman’s capsule
a.
b.
2.
Glomerulus
3.
Proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)
4.
Loop of Henle
a.
b.
Detrussor muscle
Trigone
Openings for the ureters
Urethra
a. Compare male and female
Podocytes
Pedicels
Descending limb
Ascending limb (note structure)
5.
Distal convoluted tubule (DCT)
6.
Collecting duct
7.
Afferent arteriole
8.
Efferent arteriole
9.
JG apparatus
10. Macula densa
B. Kidney Structure
Find these structures on the kidney models and
diagrams.
1.
Cortex
a.
b.
2.
Find these vessels on the models and diagrams.
Medulla
a.
b.
c.
d.
3.
D. Kidney Blood Flow
Nephrons (what parts?)
Vessels (name them)
Pyramids
Columns (name associated vessel)
Nephrons (what parts?)
Papillae
Pelvis
a.
b.
Major/minor calyx
Name associated vessels
80
1.
Renal a.
8.
Glomerulus
2.
Segmental a.
9.
Efferent arteriole
3.
Lobar a.
10. peritubular capillaries
4.
Interlobar a.
11. Interlobular v
5.
Arcuate a.
12. Arcuate v.
6.
Interlobular a.
13. Interlobar v.
7.
Afferent arteriole 14. Renal v.
E. Nephron Histology
Find these structures on the slide of the kidney and any model that pertains. Describe the histological characteristics of
each structure and define its function.
1.
Cortex 
2.
Medulla 
3.
Renal corpuscle 
4.
Bowman’s capsule 
5.
Glomerulus 
6.
Proximal convoluted tubule 
7.
Distal convoluted tubule 
8.
Collecting duct 
F. Kidney Dissection
Obtain a sheep kidney.
1.
Locate and identify external structures before cutting
2.
Identify if it is a right of left kidney
3.
Remove the fascia (if present) and identify the capsules
4.
Cut into sagittal sections and identify any visible internal structures
G. Questions
1.
Define retroperitoneal.
2.
Which renal artery is longest? Why?
3.
Name two types of nephrons.
4.
What parts of the nephron are associated with the cortex?
5.
What parts of the nephron are associated with the medulla?
6.
Trace the blood flow through the kidney.
81
7.
What is the anatomical position of the kidneys?
8.
Distinguish between internal and external urethral sphincters.
9.
What is the detrussor muscle?
10. What is the Juxtaglomerular apparatus and where is it located? Distinguish between the JG cells (location and
function) and the macula densa cells (location and function).
11. Give the location and function of the peritubular capillaries.
H. Label the structures on the diagrams below
1
2
(region)
(covering)
3
(region)
11
4
10
5
9
8
6
7
82
12
17 (entire structure)
13
15
14
16
18
19
20
21
22
24
23
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