Fetal Pig Dissection Manual Overview
Introduction
- Fetal pigs are plentiful due to their byproduct status from slaughterhouses.
- Gestation period: 112-115 days; typical litter size: 7-8 offsprings.
- Fetal pigs resemble human anatomy, useful for dissection and study.
- Safety: Use gloves if preservatives irritate the skin, and rinse specimens regularly.
Dissection Guidelines
- Dissection is a methodical process, not just cutting.
- Follow instructions carefully; use dull probes to separate structures.
- Understand anatomical terminology: right, left, anterior, posterior, dorsal, ventral, lateral, medial.
Day 1: External Anatomy
- Assemble dissection kit: tray, fetal pig, scalpel, scissors, probe, forceps, goggles, gloves.
- Measure body length to estimate gestational age using provided table.
- Examine head features: snout, nostrils, eyes, ears, and mouth structures.
- Determine the sex by examining urogenital openings and structures.
- Note anatomical features like presence of hair, eyelids, number of digits (four toes).
Day 2: Thoracic Cavity
- Properly position the pig for thoracic cavity exploration.
- Make a Y-shaped incision to observe internal structures: respiratory, circulatory, digestive systems.
- Examine trachea, larynx, pleural cavities, and lung lobes.
Day 3: Abdominopelvic Cavity
- Incision techniques to view abdominal organs.
- Identify and study liver, stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas.
- Observe and dissect features like villi in intestines, meconium in stomach.
Day 4: Heart, Arteries, and Veins
- Study fetal pig’s cardiovascular system which mirrors human systems.
- Observe modifications for fetal life like placental circulation.
- Dissection focuses on veins (e.g., anterior/posterior vena cava) and arteries (e.g., pulmonary artery, aorta).
Day 5: Urinary and Reproductive Systems
Urinary System
- Trace urine path: kidneys, ureters, bladder.
- Examine kidney structure via longitudinal section.
Reproductive System
- Female: Identify ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterine horns.
- Male: Locate scrotum, vas deferens, penis, prostate glands.
Day 6: Brain & Spinal Cord
- Explore brain structure: cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata.
- Carefully expose the brain and spinal cord.
- Understand function and connectivity of brain sections.
General Safety and Cleanup
- Regularly clean workspace, tools, and specimens.
- Ensure proper disposal of materials and clean-up at session end.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview for the dissection of a fetal pig, ensuring an educational exploration of mammalian anatomy aligned with human biological structures.