Water, ion, and pH homeostasis is essential for all physiological processes. The renal system plays a fundamental role in maintaining this homeostasis, which is controlled by the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. Following ultrafiltration of the blood by the glomerulus, varying amounts of tubular reabsorption and tubular secretion take place, which are adjusted based on the physiological state of the body. Current approaches for teaching students about these complicated processes involve dialysis tubing and/or construction of miniature nephrons. Mini-nephrons use beads, strainers, and spoons to model the blood components, the filtration process, and reabsorption, respectively. While effective, these miniature models are difficult to assemble, putting too much emphasis on the construction phase. To focus student learning on the physiology, we have constructed a large, reusable classroom nephron model. This model demonstrates ultrafiltration of the glomerulus, tubular reabsorption, tubular secretion, and urine excretion. The classroom model can be easily modified to demonstrate two pathologies that affect ultrafiltration and tubular reabsorption: glomerulonephritis and Type I diabetes. Modified urinalysis experiments and case studies corresponding with each disease are included in our lab lesson. Overall, we suggest that the construction of a reusable larger classroom nephron model will help students learning renal physiology. In this presentation, the model and urinalysis experiments will be demonstrated, followed by a group discussion.
Keywords: animal anatomy and physiology, nephron, model building, urinalysis
ViABLE (2021)
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