Observation of the Urinary System of the Fetal Pig

Using the diagrams observe and compare the urinary system in both sexes of fetal pigs. 

Locate the kidney's.  These are large, paired, reddish-brown organs.  The kidneys will be found against the muscles of in the back of the pig, held in place by the peritoneal membrane. 

  Remove one of the kidneys and cut it in half lengthwise. 

Using the diagram, find the following structures:  renal cortex, renal medulla, and the renal pelvis.

  What is the function of the renal pelvis?  Where is it located in the kidney?

  Where is the renal cortex located?  The renal Medula?

Inside the kidney, you can also find the renal pyramid. 

  What structures can be found in the renal pyramid?

  What do these structures do?

Locate the ureters.  These are the tubes that leave the kidneys. 

  Remove the peritoneal membrane so that you can follow the path of the ureter down to the urinary bladder.  Locate the urinary bladder.  It may be on the flap of tissue which the umbilical cord was attached.

Locate the urethra;  it leaves the bladder and disappears in teh pelvic girdle.

  What is the path of urine from the kidney to the exterior of the body?

On to the Male Reproductive System