Fetal Pig Dissection - Key Points and Concepts

Day 1: Group Roles and Basic Anatomical Concepts

• Group Roles:
  • Dissector, Recorder, Manager, Assistant
  • Manager ensures tasks are completed; Dissector wears gloves; Assistant cleans up post-dissection
• Labeling: Terms to label on the fetal pig:
  • Anterior, Posterior, Dorsal, Ventral, Lateral, Medial

Body Cavities and Organs

• Label Body Cavities: Cranial, Thoracic, Abdominal, Pelvic
• Match Cavities to Organs:
  • Thoracic: Heart, lungs, thymus gland, thyroid gland
  • Pelvic: Reproductive organs, urinary bladder, rectum
  • Cranial: Brain
  • Spinal: Spinal cord
  • Abdominal: Stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas

Body Planes

• Use highlighters to indicate:
  • Sagittal Plane (Pink)
  • Transverse Plane (Green)
  • Frontal Plane (Blue)

Identifying Structures and Gender

• Determine the post-fertilization age based on specimen length
• Label structures: Snout, pinnae, teats, urogenital openings, umbilical cord
• Identify gender by the position of the urogenital opening

Integument Comparison

• Similarities with Humans: Sweat glands, hair structure
• Differences: Pigs lack sufficient sweat glands for evaporative cooling
• Hair Concentration: Highest on head, rump, and around eyes

Muscular and Skeletal System

• Functionality: Muscles attached to bones via tendons; contractions lead to movement

Digestive System Insights

• Accessory vs. Gastrointestinal Tract: Accessory organs assist digestion without direct food contact
• Examples: Liver produces bile, pancreas produces enzymes

Urinary System

• Blood Cleaning: Renal arteries, kidneys, renal veins collaboration
• Urine Pathway: Kidneys → Ureters → Urinary bladder → Urethra

Endocrine System

• Key Hormones: Insulin, glucagon, adrenaline, cortisol
• Organ Roles: Adrenal glands, thymus, thyroid produce hormones

Respiratory System

• Air Pathway: Mouth/nose → Larynx → Trachea → Bronchi → Bronchioles → Alveoli

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Collaboration

• Oxygen Transport: Alveoli exchange oxygen, cardiovascular system circulates

General Functions

• System Contributions:
  • Skeletal: Framework and protection
  • Muscular: Movement
  • Digestive: Nutrient absorption
  • Urinary: Waste filtration
  • Endocrine: Hormone production
  • Respiratory: Gas exchange
  • Cardiovascular: Blood circulation

Conclusion: Understanding Pig Anatomy

• Congratulations on completing the fetal pig dissection!