To label the anatomical structures of the sheep kidney correctly, let's go through each part step by step based on standard kidney anatomy.
The kidney has several key regions and vessels:
- The outermost layer is the
renal capsule (a protective fibrous layer).
- Inside that is the
cortex, which contains nephrons and appears granular.
- Deeper inside are the
medullary pyramids (triangular structures) — these contain loops of Henle and collecting ducts.
- Between the pyramids are extensions of the cortex called
renal columns.
- At the tip of each pyramid is a
renal papilla, where urine drains into minor calyces.
- Minor calyces merge to form
major calyces, which then drain into the
renal pelvis.
- The renal pelvis funnels urine into the
ureter.
- Blood enters via the
renal artery and exits via the
renal vein. These branch into smaller vessels within the kidney.
Now, matching the arrows in the diagram:
-
A points to the inner triangular region → this is a
renal pyramid (part of the medulla).
-
B points to the area between pyramids → this is a
renal column (cortical tissue extending inward).
-
C points to the very outer edge of the kidney → this is the
renal capsule.
-
D points to the base of a pyramid, near the center → this is likely the
renal papilla (tip of the pyramid draining into calyx).
-
E points to a vessel branching inside the kidney, carrying oxygenated blood → this is an
interlobar artery (branch of renal artery running between pyramids).
-
F points to the large red vessel entering the kidney → this is the
renal artery.
-
G points to the large blue vessel leaving the kidney → this is the
renal vein.
-
H points to the tube exiting the kidney → this is the
ureter.
Let’s double-check for consistency:
- Renal artery (F) brings blood in → branches into interlobar arteries (E) → further branch into arcuate and cortical radiate arteries.
- Renal vein (G) collects deoxygenated blood from same regions.
- Ureter (H) carries urine out from renal pelvis.
- Capsule (C) surrounds entire organ.
- Cortex includes columns (B) and outer regions.
- Medulla = pyramids (A), with papillae (D) at tips.
All labels fit logically.
Final Answer:
A: Renal pyramid
B: Renal column
C: Renal capsule
D: Renal papilla
E: Interlobar artery
F: Renal artery
G: Renal vein
H: Ureter
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of kidney dissection worksheet.