Advanced Biology Dissection Lab

Sean O'Brien, a junior in Mr. Bradley’s spring advanced biology class, is observed removing and examining the lung of a pig

(Submitted by CHS Junior, Alexandria Nobiling) Dissection is a very advantageous tool for students because it gives them a hands on way of learning. 

On April 5th and 6th, the Advanced Biology class dissected and observed the anatomy of a fetal pig. A pig is a great dissection species because the major structures in a pig are very similar to those in humans and thus it gives students insight on the internal and external structures of mammals. The students were given a detailed guide giving step by step instructions on how to properly perform the dissection. 

Throughout the process, students were asked questions about their individual pigs as well as comparing them to those around them such as “Is your pig male or female? How do you know this?” 

Tyler Westlake is identifying different features of the pig’s respiratory system to lab partner Gabe Ramos

At the conclusion of the two day dissection, all of the students were to correctly identify and label all internal structures of the pig based off of their new found knowledge. For example, the students had to label the pericardium, the membrane over the heart, and the dorsal aorta, which is the blood supply to the lower body.

Aside from dissecting the pigs, the students also took a closer look at the cells. They took samples from the lung, stomach, kidney, brain, tongue, and skin, and made a slide from each specimen to observe under a microscope. A microscope slide is made when a small, thin, sample of a specimen is placed on a rectangular piece of glass. Then, an eyedropper is used to place a drop of water on the specimen. Another piece of thin glass is placed over the top to vacuum seal the item and to prevent water droplets from affecting the image. The student then places the slide into the microscope and adjusts the image to get a clear view of the cells.