Fetal Pig Anatomy
Fetal pigs are a byproduct of the meat packing industry and of no use as food. For this reason, they are sold as biology learning aids. Pigs are excellent animals to study for learning about human biology because they are the most similar to humans in size and anatomy.
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Instructions
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Identify the largest organs after the initial cut is made. You will notice that the heart is in the center of the pig's chest (unlike the heart of humans, which is on the left side). You will also notice that the left lung is smaller than the right. The liver is below this, and it is large and red (though it may be blue if your pig's veins have been treated with latex). You will see the umbilical vein entering the liver, from which the fetal pig has received nourishment. Below the liver are the pig's intestines. Though the organs correspond to those of humans, but are arranged differently. Compare them to a picture or drawing of human intestines to best observe the difference in how they are wrapped.
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Observe the organs that are hidden by the liver by pushing the liver up and away. The stomach is located behind the liver, so the liver may need to be gently moved in order to see it. Note that the stomach of a fetal pig has not been used to digest food, so it will not be an accurate representation of an adult pig or human stomach. However, you will be able to observe and feel the stomach sphincter muscle to observe how strong it is. The spleen is also in this area and wraps around the left side of the liver. However, it is very fragile so be careful.
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Observe the gall bladder. This organ is actually embedded in the liver and looks much like a blister on the third lobe. You can see that is attached by several ducts.
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Carefully pull back the stomach to view the organs beneath (this will require the careful breaking of some membranes). Here you will see the pancreas, which is somewhat shaped like a bunch of grapes.
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Tips & Warnings
Fetal pigs are preserved in formaldehyde, which is a carcinogenic substance. Always wear gloves and goggles when handling a fetal big and be sure to wash your hands carefully after.
