Carolina Pig Dissection Webinar

Introduction

• Facilitator: Angela White
• Participants: Sarah and Danny
• Goals:
  • Comfort in using pigs in classroom for Next Generation Science Standards
  • Introduction to mammalian anatomy
  • Alignment of dissection experience with science standards

Science Standards Addressed

• Disciplinary Core Concepts:
  • Structure and Function
• Cross-Cutting Concepts:
  • Systems and Systems Modeling
• Science and Engineering Practices:
  • Questioning, Socratic Method, Modeling, Constructing Explanations

Anatomical Terms

• Dorsal: Back side (like shark's dorsal fin)
• Ventral: Belly side
• Anterior: Towards the head
• Posterior: Towards the tail

Preparation and Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment: Hair tied back, goggles, lab coat, gloves
• Carolina's Perfect Solution:
  • Non-toxic, no harmful gases, well-preserved specimens
• Tools: Scissors, scalpel, blunt probe

Dissection Setup

• Use absorbent pads or paper towels
• Strap pig using rubber bands or string for stability

External Anatomy

• Nasal Area: Nostrils (Nares)
• Tongue: Sensory papilla for taste
• Hair: Typical mammalian feature
• Eyes: Nictitating membrane
• Limbs: Elbows, wrists, knees, ankles

Determining Sex

• Male: Urogenital opening beneath umbilical cord, bulge indicating testicles
• Female: Genital papilla near anus, two openings

Internal Dissection

Abdominal Cavity

• Liver: Largest organ, bile production/storage in gallbladder
• Stomach: Balloon-like, spleen nearby
• Intestines: Small (intestines/intestines), pancreas embedded (chewed gum/cottage cheese appearance)
• Large Intestines: Leads to rectum

Urogenital System

• Kidneys: Bean-like structures, adrenal glands on top
• Ureters: Tubes leading to bladder

Reproductive Organs

• Male: Penis, testes
• Female: Oviducts, uterine horns, ovaries

Thoracic Cavity

• Lungs: Multiple lobes, diaphragm below
• Heart: Surrounded by pericardium
  • Oracles: Ears of the heart
  • Atria/Ventricles: Chambers of the heart
• Thymus: On heart and along trachea

Neck Area

• Larynx and Trachea: Cartilaginous rings
• Thyroid Gland: Metabolism regulation

Classroom Management Tips

• Divide dissection into abdominal and thoracic sections over multiple classes
• Utilize dissection mats and guides for student self-navigation

Conclusion

• Structure and function relationship emphasized
• Preservation tips for future use
• Encouragement to use fetal pigs for educational purposes

Angela White signed off with an invitation to future conferences and encouraged educators to explore pig dissections for a comprehensive understanding of mammalian anatomy.