Structure of the mammalian kidney and nephron (WJEC A-level Biology)

This detailed lesson describes the structure of the mammalian kidney and the nephron. The PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover specification point [c] in topic 7 of A2 unit 3 of the WJEC A-level Biology specification. The lesson has been planned to tie in with the other lessons in topic 7 on reabsorption in the proximal tubule and the role of the ADH in the homeostatic balance of blood water potential and a common theme runs throughout to allow students to build their knowledge gradually and develop a deep understanding of this organ.

Students will come to recognise the renal cortex and renal medulla as the two regions of the kidney and learn the parts of the nephron which are found in each of these regions. Time is taken to look at the vascular supply of this organ and specifically to explain how the renal artery divides into the afferent arterioles which carry blood towards the glomerulus and the efferent arterioles which carry the blood away. The main task of the lesson challenges the students to relate structure to function. Having been introduced to the names of each of the parts of the nephron, they have to use the details of the structures found at these parts to match the function. For example, they have to make the connection between the microvilli in the PCT as a sign that this part is involved in selective reabsorption.

Please note that there are no electron micrographs of the kidney in this lesson.