Today, our wonderful teacher, Mrs. Griffin, guided CTC Animal Science students on the proper way to dissect a cow and pig heart and lungs. This real-world, hands on experience is vital to students wanting to gain successful employment in the Animal Science Industry. For more information on this pathway, please visit: Animal Science Pathway
Students were guided through this step-by-step process of dissecting a cow heart with the expert guidance of Mrs. Griffin:
Preparation:
Gather all necessary materials: cow heart, scalpel or dissecting scissors, dissection tray, gloves, and protective eyewear.
Ensure a clean and well-lit workspace for the dissection.
External Examination:
Place the cow heart in the dissection tray.
Observe the external structures such as the arteries and veins attached to the heart.
Note any visible characteristics or abnormalities on the surface of the heart.
Opening the Heart:
Use a scalpel or dissecting scissors to make a vertical incision along the length of the heart.
Carefully peel back the pericardium (the thin membrane covering the heart) to expose the chambers inside.
Identifying Chambers and Valves:
Locate and identify the four chambers of the heart: left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle.
Observe the valves (tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic) between the chambers and note their functions.
Exploring Blood Vessels:
Trace the major blood vessels connected to the heart, such as the aorta and vena cava.
Follow the branching of arteries and the merging of veins to understand the circulation system.
Optional Activities:
Measure the size of the heart and compare it to a human heart.
Investigate the thickness of the heart walls and the texture of different heart tissues.
Examine any signs of disease or abnormalities present in the heart.
Clean-Up:
Dispose of biological waste properly according to your institution's guidelines.
Clean and sanitize the dissection tools and workspace.
