Biology Practical: Dissection of a Kidney

GCSE Biology Practical - Dissection of a Kidney

By examining and dissecting a kidney, students can gain a greater understanding of the structure of the organ, the texture of the components and the way it connects and works within the body. The Kidneys produce urine from waste products and excess water.

GCSE Biology practical - Kidney Dissection

1. Look carefully at the kidney, examine the outside carefully. The Ureter, Renal Artery and Renal Vein should all be identifiable.
2. With the Kidney lying flat on the work surface. Cut the Kidney in half, lengthways. Once pulled apart the internal structure of the Kidney will be revealed.
3. Try to identify the internal parts of the kidney. Feel the different textures of the internal parts to the Kidney. Can you relate the structures to the function of the Kidney?

• The Renal Capsule, is the thin outer membrane, which protects the kidney.
• The Cortex, the lightly coloured outer region.
• Medulla, darker, reddish, brown inner region, which contains the renal pyramids, it in these pyramids that you will find the basic unit of the kidney, the nephron, which is a long, thin tube that filters the blood.

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