PIG HEART DISSECTION
Introduction: Pig hearts are similar in size and structure to the human heart.
This dissection will allow you to become more familiar with the structures of the heart, while giving you
experience in dissection. Please follow instructions very carefully.
Materials:
Goggles
1 pig heart
1 dissection tray
tools (dull probe, forceps, scissors) for second half of dissection
Procedure: 1. Determining Anterior from Posterior: Examine the
external surface of the heart. Identify the base (top flat location of
major blood vessels) and apex (bottom point) of the heart. Now
determine anterior from posterior sides of the heart by locating the
groove where the coronary arteries run. Adipose tissue(fat)
accumulates around the coronary arteries marking the separations
of the right and left ventricles of the anterior of the heart
2. External
Anatomy: Left or Right
Ventricle Hold the heart
in its anatomical position,
with the anterior surface
facing you. Locate the
groove which runs
diagonally from the left atrium to the right ventricle. . The
right ventricle of the heart will appear shorter and smaller
and the left ventricle (which includes the entire apex of the
heart) will appear larger. Feel for any difference in the wall
thickness of the right and left ventricles. Which ventricle
has a thicker wall? Why?
3. At the base of the heart (flat top) try to identify the
pulmonary trunk, aorta, and vena cava. These vessels
will run from anterior to posterior in the order listed. The
pulmonary trunk may have been cut very close to the
heart, therefore the left and right pulmonary arteries
may not be visible. Which vessels are visible in your
specimen? Describe any difference between them.
4. Turn the heart to its posterior side. The right and
left ventricles will appear equal in size. Attempt to
identify the superior and inferior vena cava
entering the right atrium.
