Looking at (dissecting) organs that “purify”
the blood in primary schools
The term “dissection” is used in this and the other primary documents to mean just close
observation. The cutting into the organ does not require special equipment or skills.
Why do this?
The study can help pupils to gain an appreciation of the range of organs found in the mammal’s
body.
It also gives teachers an opportunity to relate their teaching of the circulatory system to the
functioning of organs in the body.
Studying the kidney gives pupils an opportunity to relate an internal bodily organ to a product that
they can see (urine).
Where to obtain the organs
Animal organs obtained from a butcher or shop that sells for human consumption will be suitable.
Safety
Please refer to the safety guidelines are in CLEAPSS guide, Dissecting animal organs in primary
schools.
Carrying out the dissections
1. Kidney dissection
External examination:
Show the pupils the kidney, pointing out the very
dark red colour that comes from the blood that
flows through the kidney.
The lamb’s kidney is similar in size to the adult
human kidney.
Show the indentation where the blood vessels are
found, and also where the tube carrying urine (the
ureter) passes out.
The pupils might be able to pick up a faint smell of
urine.
This is where
blood vessels
and ureters
connect to the
kidney
Cutting into the kidney
Use kitchen scissors to cut along the length of the
kidney, splitting it into two halves.
What you see on the cut surface
The opened out kidney shows a deep red region
on the outside, where the blood is purified and
rebalanced.
The very pale region in the centre is where urine
accumulates before passing into the ureter.
Where
urine
collects
2. Looking at (dissecting) the liver
Clearing away and disposal
Please refer to the safety guidelines are in CLEAPSS guide, “Dissecting animal organs in
primary schools, Health and Safety aspects”.