According to Marieb, Mitchell, and Smith (2013):
In addition to learning about chemical digestion, this week you are also asked to identify features and functions of the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the paired kidneys and ureters as well as the urinary bladder and urethra, all of which are important in urine formation. Removal of waste, control of blood pressure, and acid-base regulation are critical functions of the urinary system. (p. 611)
The learning objective for Week 7 in the laboratory course is to identify the features of the urinary/renal system. We will look at the histology and anatomy of this system through the models and microscopic slides seen in your Laboratory Manual. To successfully complete this assignment, first read the following exercise from the Laboratory Manual: Exercise 40 Anatomy of the Urinary System.
Reference:
Marieb, E. N., Mitchell, S. J., & Smith, L. A. (2013). Human anatomy & physiology laboratory manual (11th ed.). [Fetal Pig version]. San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Student Discussion Assignment
- Briefly trace and discuss the flow of blood in the human kidney.
- Briefly identify the structure and trace the development of urine production in the human kidney.
- View the anatomical models Figure 40.2 and Figure 40.6 (a) from your Laboratory Manual and identify the structures that are described by the following abbreviated statements. Post your brief responses in the threaded Discussion Area below:
- Storage of urine after leaving the kidney
- Function of the urethra
- Location of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA)
- Component/function of the JGA
- View the photomicrograph slide Figure 40.7 from your Laboratory Manual and identify the microscopic structures indicated by a leader line, number, or bracket. In the threaded Discussion Area below, briefly describe the function of:
- Figure 40.7 proximal convoluted tubule
- Figure 40.7 distal convoluted tubule
- Figure 40.7 glomerular capillary space
As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format. Support your work, using your course lectures and textbook readings. Helpful APA guides and resources are available in the South University Online Library. Below are guides that are located in the library and can be accessed and downloaded via the South University Online Citation Resources: APA Style page. The American Psychological Association website also provides detailed guidance on formatting, citations, and references at APA Style.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This assignment is designed for medical college students to identify the features and functions of the urinary system. The students will be required to trace and discuss the flow of blood in the human kidney, identify the structure and trace the development of urine production, identify structures in anatomical models and photomicrograph slides, and describe their functions. The aim is to enhance the students’ understanding of the histology and anatomy of the urinary system.
1. Briefly trace and discuss the flow of blood in the human kidney.
Blood enters the kidney through the renal artery, which branches into smaller arterioles. These arterioles form a network of capillaries called the glomerulus in the Bowman’s capsule. Filtration of blood takes place in the glomerulus, and the filtered blood exits through the efferent arteriole. The efferent arteriole then branches into the peritubular capillaries, which surround the nephron, and the vasa recta, which extends to the medulla. Blood then leaves the kidney through the renal vein.
2. Briefly identify the structure and trace the development of urine production in the human kidney.
The main functional unit of the kidney is the nephron, which consists of the Bowman’s capsule, proximal tubule, loop of Henle, distal tubule, and collecting duct. Urine is produced through three processes: filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. In filtration, blood is filtered in the glomerulus, and the filtrate enters the Bowman’s capsule. Reabsorption takes place in the proximal and distal tubules, where useful substances such as glucose and amino acids are reabsorbed into the blood. Secretion occurs in the distal tubules and collecting ducts, where waste products such as urea and excess ions are excreted into the urine.
3. View the anatomical models Figure 40.2 and Figure 40.6 (a) from your Laboratory Manual and identify the structures that are described by the following abbreviated statements.
– Storage of urine after leaving the kidney: Urinary Bladder
– Function of the urethra: Conducts urine from the bladder to the external environment
– Location of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA): Near the glomerulus in the afferent arteriole
– Component/function of the JGA: It regulates blood pressure and the filtration rate by secreting renin.
4. View the photomicrograph slide Figure 40.7 from your Laboratory Manual and identify the microscopic structures indicated by a leader line, number, or bracket.
– Figure 40.7 proximal convoluted tubule: The structure indicated by leader line 2 is the brush border, which increases the surface area for reabsorption.
– Figure 40.7 distal convoluted tubule: The structure indicated by bracket 3 is the macula densa, which monitors the NaCl concentration in the filtrate.
– Figure 40.7 glomerular capillary space: The structure indicated by number 4 is the Bowman’s space, which receives the filtrate.
References:
Marieb, E. N., Mitchell, S. J., & Smith, L. A. (2013). Human anatomy & physiology laboratory manual (11th ed.). [Fetal Pig version]. San Francisco, CA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
