Micturition: The Journey of Urine

Biology Grades High School 9:33 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the anatomy and physiology of micturition, from urine formation in the kidneys to excretion. Understand the roles of different organs and structures in the urinary system.

Video Resource

Urination | Renal system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

khanacademymedicine

Duration: 9:33
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Key Concepts

  • Renal Calyx & Renal Pelvis
  • Ureters and Bladder function
  • Urethral Sphincters and Control of Micturition
  • Differences in male and female urethras
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the structures involved in the process of micturition, including the renal calyx, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
  • Describe the function of each structure in the urinary system in the process of urine transport and excretion.
  • Compare and contrast the male and female urethras, explaining the differences in length and anatomical relationships.
  • Explain the roles of the internal and external urethral sphincters in controlling urine flow.
  • Discuss the causes and risk factors of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including the anatomical differences between males and females.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Briefly introduce the topic of micturition (urination) and its importance for waste removal and maintaining homeostasis. Engage students by asking if they know the scientific term for urination.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Urination | Renal system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy'. Encourage students to take notes on key structures and their functions.
  • Guided Discussion (10 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion about the key concepts presented in the video. Use the discussion questions provided below to guide the discussion.
  • Activity: Comparing Male and Female Urinary Systems (15 mins)
    Students will either draw a diagram or use online resources to compare and contrast the male and female urinary systems, focusing on the urethra and its surrounding structures. They should label all parts and explain the functional differences.
  • Wrap Up & Assessment (5 mins)
    Briefly review the main points of the lesson and administer the multiple-choice quiz to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Label the Diagram
    Provide students with an unlabeled diagram of the urinary system. Ask them to label all the key structures: renal calyx, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, internal urethral sphincter, external urethral sphincter, urethra (male and female differences).

Discussion Questions

  • What is the role of the ureters and how do they prevent backflow of urine?
  • How does the transitional epithelium in the bladder contribute to its function?
  • Describe the difference between the internal and external urethral sphincters and their roles in controlling urination.
  • Why are urinary tract infections more common in women than in men?
  • What are some potential complications of urine backflow into the kidneys?

Skills Developed

  • Anatomical Identification
  • Critical Thinking
  • Comparative Analysis
  • Scientific Communication

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

The scientific term for urination is:

Correct Answer: Micturition

Question 2:

Urine is initially collected from the collecting tubules by which structure?

Correct Answer: Renal Calyx

Question 3:

Which type of epithelium lines the bladder, allowing it to expand?

Correct Answer: Transitional

Question 4:

The internal urethral sphincter is made up of what type of muscle?

Correct Answer: Smooth

Question 5:

Which part of the urethra is unique to males?

Correct Answer: Prostatic urethra

Question 6:

The external urethral sphincter is under what type of control?

Correct Answer: Voluntary

Question 7:

Which of the following contributes to a higher risk of UTIs in females?

Correct Answer: Shorter urethra

Question 8:

What is the function of the valves in the ureters?

Correct Answer: To prevent backflow of urine

Question 9:

Approximately how much urine can the bladder hold?

Correct Answer: 300-500 mL

Question 10:

What is the name of the tube that conducts urine from the kidney to the bladder?

Correct Answer: Ureter

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The _____ calyx is the first structure to collect urine from the collecting tubules.

Correct Answer: renal

Question 2:

Several renal calyces coalesce into the _____ pelvis.

Correct Answer: renal

Question 3:

The tube that conducts urine inferiorly from the kidney is called the _____.

Correct Answer: ureter

Question 4:

The bladder is lined with _____ epithelium, which allows it to expand.

Correct Answer: transitional

Question 5:

The _____ urethral sphincter is under involuntary control.

Correct Answer: internal

Question 6:

The _____ urethral sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle.

Correct Answer: external

Question 7:

The prostatic urethra is only found in _____.

Correct Answer: males

Question 8:

The spongy urethra is located within the _____ in males.

Correct Answer: penis

Question 9:

Backflow of urine can lead to _____, increasing the risk of infection.

Correct Answer: stasis

Question 10:

UTIs are more common in women due to their shorter _____.

Correct Answer: urethra

Educational Standards

B.LS1.2:[Standard] Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms. B.LS1.3:[Standard] Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the importance of maintaining homeostasis in living organisms.

Teaching Materials

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