2/25/2016

Dissection of a kidney

Lamb and pig kidneys are very similar to human kidneys. 

Kidneys are the organs that help filter waste products from the blood. They are also involved in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.


 

Today we have studied one of these at the laboratory. Specifically, we performed a dissection of this organ of the excretory system.


First, we have seen the size of the organ, its external form, identifying the main parts such as the renal cortex, ureter and renal artery and vein.




  

We have also tried to understand how the kidney works through the nephron, which is the functional unit of this small organ. Thanks to it, urine is produced in our body.



Did you know that we have over one million of nephrons in each kidney?


Some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.


As we age kidney function gradually decreases over time.

If the kidneys fail completely, the only treatment options available may be dialysis or transplant.
 Did you know that…
...kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium and phosphorus in the urine?


Some food may cause kidney stones in certain people. You may be more likely to get a kidney stone if you have
  • a family history of kidney stones
  • repeating, or recurrent, urinary tract infections
  • blockage of your urinary tract
  • digestive problems
  • a condition that affects levels of substances in your urine that can cause stones to form

You may also be more likely to get a kidney stone if you don’t drink enough fluids.

2/24/2016

Lab Practice with dynamometers - presentation

Today we have presented the results from the lab practice with the dynamometers.

Did you that when you teach other students, you learn a lot? This is called learning by teaching.

You can watch one of the presentations below.



2/19/2016

Practice with the dynamometer





Today we have been working on a lab practice with dynamometers to compare the concepts of mass and weight.

Did you know that dynamometers follow Hooke's law? This law says that the extension of a spring is proportional to the load applied to it.

The length of a spring always changes by the same amount when it is pushed or pulled. The equation for that is:

    F = k·x
    where

        F is how much (push or pull) is on the spring
        k is a constant, the stiffness of the spring.
        x is how far the spring was pushed or pulled

When x = 0, the spring is at the equilibrium position.

2/11/2016

Cardiorespiratory System

Today we have worked on two activities related to the circulatory and respiratory systems.

 

The first activity was a betting game in which students identified a set of true or false statements. The bets have been very lively and some groups have achieved good profits.

                   

In the second activity we have played cooperatively completing statements. This is what is known as a question loop.

         


                  

 


Very fun and profitable!

2/10/2016

Forces reading

Today we have been working with a reading to check some concepts about forces.

Did you know that our concept of weight is relative (we can weight less in the moon, for example), but our mass is always invariable?





2/04/2016

Introduction to the respiratory system

Today we have introduced new content which involves the respiratory system. We have been understood how it works and identified its parts.

Did you know that the trachea is algo called windpipe? Also, the larynx can be called voice box.



 

2/02/2016

Oral Presentations 
Work topics related with the Circulatory system

Today we have been implementing the oral presentations about the circulatory system.



Students were divided into four working groups of four students per team.

During some class sessions, students selected the images and the contents and designed a poster and/or PowerPoint presentation.

A group made their oral presentation talking about the components of blood and their functions. They also talked about some diseases related to blood, such as anemia or thrombosis.




Other student groups explained aspects related to both the heart and the blood vessels. They also talked about some of the most common diseases directly related to the heart or the arteries and veins of the body, such as tachycardia, arteriosclerosis or embolisms.



 Finally, to end this series of oral presentations, two groups of students completed this review of the circulatory system with some interesting explanations about the circulation of blood. Of special interest was the clarification that the blood carries out its functions in our body through two different circuits, the pulmonary circuit and the systemic circuit.