Fetal Pig Dissection Worksheet Answers Guide
Fetal pig dissection is a common educational activity in many biology and anatomy classes. It provides students with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of mammalian anatomy. To ensure that you get the most out of this activity, we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the dissection process and answer the accompanying worksheet questions.
Before You Begin
Before starting the dissection, make sure you have the following:
- A fetal pig specimen
- Dissection tools (scalpel, forceps, scissors, etc.)
- A dissection tray or pan
- Gloves and a lab coat for personal protection
- The fetal pig dissection worksheet
External Anatomy
Start by examining the external anatomy of the fetal pig. Identify the following structures:
- Snout: The front portion of the head
- Eyes: The organs of sight
- Ears: The organs of hearing
- Nostrils: The openings for breathing
- Mouth: The opening for eating and drinking
- Limbs: The arms and legs
Use the diagram below to help you identify these structures:
| Structure | Description |
|---|---|
| Snout | The front portion of the head |
| Eyes | The organs of sight |
| Ears | The organs of hearing |
| Nostrils | The openings for breathing |
| Mouth | The opening for eating and drinking |
| Limbs | The arms and legs |
Once you have identified the external structures, it’s time to explore the internal anatomy of the fetal pig. Follow these steps:
- Make a mid-ventral incision: Use your scalpel to make a cut down the center of the abdominal wall, from the ribcage to the pubic bone.
- Open the abdominal cavity: Use your forceps to gently pry open the abdominal cavity and expose the internal organs.
- Identify the organs: Use the diagram below to help you identify the internal organs:
| Organ | Description |
|---|---|
| Heart | The organ that pumps blood throughout the body |
| Lungs | The organs responsible for breathing |
| Liver | The organ that filters the blood and aids in digestion |
| Stomach | The organ that digests food |
| Small intestine | The long, thin tube that absorbs nutrients from food |
| Large intestine | The tube that absorbs water and eliminates waste |
| Kidneys | The organs that filter waste and excess fluids from the blood |
Worksheet Answers
Now that you have completed the dissection and identified the external and internal structures, it’s time to answer the worksheet questions. Use the information from this guide to help you answer the following questions:
- What is the purpose of the snout?
- What is the function of the eyes?
- What is the role of the lungs in the body?
- What is the function of the liver?
- What is the purpose of the small intestine?
Answers:
- The snout is the front portion of the head and contains the nostrils and mouth.
- The eyes are the organs of sight and detect light and color.
- The lungs are responsible for breathing and exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- The liver filters the blood and aids in digestion.
- The small intestine absorbs nutrients from food.
🔍 Note: Make sure to label all structures clearly and accurately on your diagram.
Conclusion
Fetal pig dissection is a valuable learning experience that provides students with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of mammalian anatomy. By following this guide, you should be able to successfully complete the dissection and answer the accompanying worksheet questions. Remember to label all structures clearly and accurately on your diagram.
What is the purpose of fetal pig dissection?
+Fetal pig dissection is a valuable learning experience that provides students with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of mammalian anatomy.
What are the internal organs of the fetal pig?
+The internal organs of the fetal pig include the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and kidneys.
What is the function of the liver?
+The liver filters the blood and aids in digestion.
