Kidney Structure and Function (Topic D3.3 – AHL Only)

Essential Idea(s): The structure of kidneys helps maintain homeostasis in complex organisms by constantly filtering blood to separate waste and maintaining appropriate blood osmolarity.

Unit Length: 4 Lessons (AHL Only)

Guiding Questions

◊ How are constant internal conditions maintained in humans?

◊ What are the benefits to organisms of maintaining constant internal conditions?

Materials:

Self-Teaching Slides (AHL)	Quizlet Vocab Set
	Notes Template

IB Statement(s) and Objective(s)
D3.3.7: Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion Define osmoregulation Define osmoregulator and osmoconformer State the two primary functions of kidneys State the units for measuring osmotic concentration D3.3.8: Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion State the three key processes occur in the kidneys to filtrate blood (ultrafiltration / selective reabsorption / osmoregulation) Define nephron Annotate a diagram of the nephron, including: Bowman’s capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, and collecting duct. Define filtrate and ultrafiltration Describe the structure of the Bowman’s Capsule Outline the cause and effect of high blood pressure in the kidney glomerulus Explain why plasma proteins and blood cells are not part of glomerular filtrate List solutes found in glomerular filtrate Outline the mechanism of selective reabsorption of sodium ions, chloride ions, glucose and water Explain why cells lining the lumen of the proximal convoluted tubule have microvilli and many mitochondria D3.3.9: Role of the loop of Henle D3.3.10: Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts State the overall function of the loop of Henle Describe the structure and function of the descending limb of the loop of Henle Explain how ADH controls reabsorption of water in the collecting duct Outline the regulation of blood osmotic concentration, including the roles of osmoreceptors, the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and antidiuretic hormone D3.3.11: Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity List activities that can result in changes in blood supply to organs State the primary mechanism by which the body alters blood flow to various organs Outline conditions that can alter blood supply to skeletal muscle Outline conditions that can alter blood supply to the gut Explain the need for relatively stable blood flow to the brain

IB Statement(s) and Objective(s)

D3.3.7: Role of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion

Define osmoregulation
Define osmoregulator and osmoconformer
State the two primary functions of kidneys
State the units for measuring osmotic concentration

D3.3.8: Role of the glomerulus, Bowman’s capsule and proximal convoluted tubule in excretion

State the three key processes occur in the kidneys to filtrate blood (ultrafiltration / selective reabsorption / osmoregulation)
Define nephron
Annotate a diagram of the nephron, including: Bowman’s capsule, proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, and collecting duct.
Define filtrate and ultrafiltration
Describe the structure of the Bowman’s Capsule
Outline the cause and effect of high blood pressure in the kidney glomerulus
Explain why plasma proteins and blood cells are not part of glomerular filtrate
List solutes found in glomerular filtrate
Outline the mechanism of selective reabsorption of sodium ions, chloride ions, glucose and water
Explain why cells lining the lumen of the proximal convoluted tubule have microvilli and many mitochondria

D3.3.9: Role of the loop of Henle

D3.3.10: Osmoregulation by water reabsorption in the collecting ducts

State the overall function of the loop of Henle
Describe the structure and function of the descending limb of the loop of Henle
Explain how ADH controls reabsorption of water in the collecting duct
Outline the regulation of blood osmotic concentration, including the roles of osmoreceptors, the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and antidiuretic hormone

D3.3.11: Changes in blood supply to organs in response to changes in activity

List activities that can result in changes in blood supply to organs
State the primary mechanism by which the body alters blood flow to various organs
Outline conditions that can alter blood supply to skeletal muscle
Outline conditions that can alter blood supply to the gut
Explain the need for relatively stable blood flow to the brain


Activities: ⓟ = podcast / ⍰ = inquiry 5 / ⓦ = Write it / Ӕ = The academy / Ⓡ = Read it
Ⓛ: Urinalysis (💁/ 👭 max 2) There are several diseases associated with the kidneys, and most of them are detectable with urinalysis. Take on this lab and practice diagnosing different urine samples from different patients. Be sure to carefully answer the questions (individually!) at the end of the lab. (Teachers can find a planning document here). Ӕ: Kidney Structure and Function (💁) Create a Khan Academy-style video (use SketchIO and Screencastify) to draw out and explain the structure of the kidney. Then draw a separate diagram of the nephron, and one of a Bowman’s capsule. See if you can give an overview of the function of the kidney – incorporating as much of 11.3 – 11.8 as you can. Ӕ: 3D Tour of the Kidney (💁) Screencast a recording of a 3D Tour of the kidney. Make sure you don’t just cover the anatomy, but give key details on the function of each key component (consider also using this 3D model of a nephron). Try to thoroughly explain what happens in the kidneys, starting with the input of blood and the output of clean blood + urine. ⓓ: Flow Chart – From Blood → Urine (💁/ 👭max 2) Grab a piece of poster paper (at least A3 size) and create a large-scale flow-chart/mind map (see examples here). Create your own flow chart to show the magic of kidneys, from blood → urine. Use bubbles/boxes for key events, and add key details along the arrows that connect your bubbles. Teachers…send me more! Email me at sph@wolfert.nl if you have solid lesson plans for this unit.