Carolina Mammal Kidney Dissection Guide - Manual (Page 3)

8. Examine the renal pelvis. It is formed by a wall of thick fibrous tissue and forms the expanded end of the
ureter.
9. Using a scalpel, carefully cut one wall of the ureter and extend the incision to the hilus. The ureter is
continuous with the renal pelvis. Observe the fine ridges on the endothelial lining of the ureter and renal
pelvis.
10. Once you have observed all the structures of the kidney, dispose of the specimen in accordance with local
guidelines and your teacher’s instructions.
Glossary
Calyx - cup-like division found in the renal medulla; minor calyces (plural) empty into major calyces.
Hilus - depression where the renal artery, renal vein, and ureter enter and exit the kidney.
Renal artery - branch from the abdominal aorta that supplies the kidney with oxygenated blood.
Renal capsule - dense, irregular connective tissue layer that protects the kidney and helps maintain its shape.
Renal corpuscle - glomerulus enclosed within a glomerular capsule; site of filtration.
Renal cortex - outer region of the kidney.
Renal lobe - consists of a pyramid, portion of the cortex at the pyramid base, and a portion of the adjacent
renal column.
Renal medulla - inner portion of the kidney.
Renal papilla - apex of a renal pyramid; continuous with the minor calyx.
Renal pelvis - large cavity that receives urine from major calyces; continuous with ureter.
Renal pyramid - cone-shaped structure found in the medulla with its base facing the cortex and the apex
facing the hilus.
Renal vein - blood vessel exiting the kidney carrying filtered, deoxygenated blood to the inferior vena cava.
Ureter - tube that connects the kidney to the urinary bladder.
Carolina’s Perfect Solution ®
Independent, certified laboratory analyses of specimens fixed in Carolina’s Perfect Solution ® have found it to be
nontoxic and free of dangerous off-gassing. This means that, for safety purposes, classrooms and labs using
Carolina’s Perfect Solution specimens do not require specialized ventilation. Carolina does recommend using
some active ventilation when working with any preserved specimens or chemicals. The safe nature of
Carolina’s Perfect Solution also means that in most localities there are no mandated disposal requirements. Be
sure to check with local sewer and landfill authorities, as local procedures may vary.
Carolina’s Perfect Solution ® Specimens Available From Carolina Biological Supply Company
Carolina’s Perfect Solution ® Cow Eye RN-22-8903
Carolina’s Perfect Solution ® Sheep Eye RN-22-8763
Carolina’s Perfect Solution ® Sheep Brain RN-22-8703
Carolina’s Perfect Solution ® Pig Heart RN-22-8563
Carolina’s Perfect Solution ® Pig Kidney RN-22-8573
T e a c h e r ’ s M a n u a l 3