Kidney Function and Anatomy: Maintaining Homeostasis

Biology Grades High School 7:58 Video

Lesson Description

Explore the intricate anatomy and vital functions of the kidneys, focusing on their role in filtration, reabsorption, and maintaining homeostasis within the human body.

Video Resource

Kidney function and anatomy | Renal system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine

Duration: 7:58
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Renal Anatomy (renal artery, renal vein, ureter, renal cortex, renal medulla, renal calyx, renal pelvis, nephron)
  • Kidney Functions (filtration, reabsorption, collection)
  • Homeostasis (pH regulation, blood pressure regulation, osmolality regulation, waste excretion)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and describe the major anatomical structures of the kidney.
  • Students will be able to explain the three main functions of the kidney: filtration, reabsorption, and collection.
  • Students will be able to describe the role of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis, including pH, blood pressure, and osmolality regulation.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by engaging students with the introductory facts from the video about the amount of blood the kidneys filter. Briefly review the importance of organ systems in the human body and introduce the kidneys as a vital component of the renal system.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "Kidney function and anatomy | Renal system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy." Instruct students to take notes on the key anatomical structures and functions discussed in the video.
  • Discussion and Clarification (15 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion to review the key concepts from the video. Address any questions or areas of confusion students may have. Use diagrams or models of the kidney to further illustrate the anatomical structures.
  • Activity: Kidney Diagram Labeling (15 mins)
    Provide students with a blank diagram of the kidney and have them label the major anatomical structures discussed in the video. This reinforces their understanding of kidney anatomy.
  • Conclusion (5 mins)
    Summarize the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the kidneys' role in maintaining homeostasis. Preview upcoming topics such as the nephron and glomerular filtration.

Interactive Exercises

  • Kidney Function Matching Game
    Create a matching game where students match anatomical structures (renal cortex, renal medulla, ureter, etc.) with their corresponding functions (filtration, urine transport, etc.).

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important for the kidneys to filter such a large volume of blood?
  • How do the kidneys maintain homeostasis? Give specific examples.
  • What would happen if the kidneys were not functioning properly?

Skills Developed

  • Anatomical Identification
  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Explanation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following structures carries blood into the kidney?

Correct Answer: Renal Artery

Question 2:

What is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for filtration and collection?

Correct Answer: Nephron

Question 3:

The outer shell of the kidney is called the:

Correct Answer: Renal Cortex

Question 4:

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the kidneys?

Correct Answer: Digestion

Question 5:

What is the term for maintaining a stable internal environment?

Correct Answer: Homeostasis

Question 6:

The renal _______ is the central area where the renal calyces collect together.

Correct Answer: Pelvis

Question 7:

The ______ carries urine away from the kidneys.

Correct Answer: Ureter

Question 8:

Which of the following does the kidney regulate in the blood?

Correct Answer: All of the above

Question 9:

Waste products are removed from the blood in the kidney by the process of:

Correct Answer: Filtration

Question 10:

The point where tubes or vessels come out of the kidney is called the:

Correct Answer: Hilum

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The smallest functional unit of the kidney is the _________.

Correct Answer: nephron

Question 2:

The process of returning important molecules and water back into the blood is called _________.

Correct Answer: reabsorption

Question 3:

The middle of the kidney is called the renal _________.

Correct Answer: medulla

Question 4:

__________ is the excretion of waste products.

Correct Answer: Urea

Question 5:

The ___________ is a buzz word in biology.

Correct Answer: Homeostasis

Question 6:

The __________ filters blood.

Correct Answer: Kidney

Question 7:

The ________ carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Correct Answer: ureter

Question 8:

The __________ cortex is the shell of the kidney.

Correct Answer: renal

Question 9:

The _______ artery brings blood to the kidney.

Correct Answer: renal

Question 10:

The place where the renal artery, the renal vein, and the ureter come out of is called the _______.

Correct Answer: hilum