PRACTICAL 2: DISSECTION OF SHEEP KIDNEY
INSTRUCTIONS
Work in your groups. Each group must have the following:
o one dissection board,
o one sheep kidney,
o 1 scalpel,
o 1 dissecting needle
o forceps.
1. Remove the excess fat around the kidney. What is the function of the fat? (2)
Protection of the kidney, reduce shock absorption.
2. Investigate the external structure of the kidney. Measure the kidney:
Width ___+/-_3.5cm______ Length__+/-_7cm______. (2)
3. Describe its colour and shape (5)
The kidney is dark red(1) – contains millions of glomeruli (1) (blood capillary
network) and is covered with fat(1) which is a yellow to white(1) colour.
Shape is: kidney bean shaped.(1)/ Draw a representation of the shape of the
kidney.
4. Remove the renal capsule with the scalpel and forceps, and note how tough it is.
Why is it so tough?
Protection of the kidney, prevent easy penetration through the kidney (it is a
very sensitive organ) (2)
5. Cut the kidney in half with a sharp scalpel by making a longitudinal section through it.
The internal structure is now visible. Identify the medulla and cortex. How can you
clearly distinguish between the medulla and the cortex? (2)
The renal cortex (outer part) is dark red in colour (millions of glomeruli) and the
renal medulla is pink in colour (inner part).
6. Use the needle to expose the pyramids. How many pyramids are present in your
sheep kidney? (1)
Any amount from 6-12
7. Note how the pyramids open into the renal calyxes. How many calyxes can you see?
(1)
The same amount as question 6 otherwise it is incorrect.
8. Draw and label a complete drawing of a longitudinal section through the sheep
kidney. (12)
INSTRUCTIONS
Work in your groups. Each group must have the following:
o one dissection board,
o one sheep kidney,
o 1 scalpel,
o 1 dissecting needle
o forceps.
1. Remove the excess fat around the kidney. What is the function of the fat? (2)
Protection of the kidney, reduce shock absorption.
2. Investigate the external structure of the kidney. Measure the kidney:
Width ___+/-_3.5cm______ Length__+/-_7cm______. (2)
3. Describe its colour and shape (5)
The kidney is dark red(1) – contains millions of glomeruli (1) (blood capillary
network) and is covered with fat(1) which is a yellow to white(1) colour.
Shape is: kidney bean shaped.(1)/ Draw a representation of the shape of the
kidney.
4. Remove the renal capsule with the scalpel and forceps, and note how tough it is.
Why is it so tough?
Protection of the kidney, prevent easy penetration through the kidney (it is a
very sensitive organ) (2)
5. Cut the kidney in half with a sharp scalpel by making a longitudinal section through it.
The internal structure is now visible. Identify the medulla and cortex. How can you
clearly distinguish between the medulla and the cortex? (2)
The renal cortex (outer part) is dark red in colour (millions of glomeruli) and the
renal medulla is pink in colour (inner part).
6. Use the needle to expose the pyramids. How many pyramids are present in your
sheep kidney? (1)
Any amount from 6-12
7. Note how the pyramids open into the renal calyxes. How many calyxes can you see?
(1)
The same amount as question 6 otherwise it is incorrect.
8. Draw and label a complete drawing of a longitudinal section through the sheep
kidney. (12)
