Experiment 11: Skeletal System Of The Fetal Pig

Experiment 11 Skeletal System Of The Fetal Pigin This Exercise You Wi

Identify the core task: examining the skeletal system of a fetal pig through external observation, including understanding the axial and appendicular skeletons, the joints, and comparing these structures with human anatomy. The process involves handling the pig carefully, feeling the bones and joints, noting similarities and differences, and documenting observations. This exercise also includes dissection steps, safety procedures, and post-dissection cleanup.

Paper For Above instruction

The study of the skeletal system of the fetal pig offers valuable insights into vertebrate anatomy and developmental biology. By examining the skeletal features externally, students can understand the similarities and differences between pig and human skeletal structures. This comparative approach enhances understanding of evolutionary adaptations, functional morphology, and developmental stages.

The initial step involves setting up a clean and safe workspace. This includes laying down an underpad and placing a dissecting tray atop it. All necessary tools and safety equipment must be prepared prior to handling the fetal pig. The pig, preserved in a bag with maintaining solution, should be gently removed from the packaging without damaging the bag or spilling the solution, as preservation fluids are needed throughout the dissection process.

Positioning the pig dorsal side up, students should secure it on the dissecting tray using the provided strings. This external fixation is crucial for stability during examination. An initial external inspection involves feeling and identifying the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and tail, noting the presence of cartilaginous or ossified structures. The vertebral column’s segmentation, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal vertebrae, should be palpated to understand their arrangement and development.

Special attention is paid to the tail, which consists of caudal vertebrae. As the skeletal system of fetal pigs is not fully ossified, many bones appear cartilaginous; however, their palpation reveals structural similarities with mature vertebrates. Moving to the thoracic cage, students should feel the rib cage and sternum, recognizing their role in protecting vital organs. These bones, though still developing, correlate with human thoracic anatomy, providing comparative perspectives.

Further examination focuses on the appendicular skeleton, which includes the limbs and girdles. By palpating the limbs, students can identify the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula, along with the structures of the pectoral (shoulder) and pelvic girdles. The pelvic girdle, composed of the ilium, ischium, and pubis bones, exhibits notable differences from the human pelvis, reflecting adaptations to quadrupedal locomotion. Observing joint articulations, students should manipulate limbs to identify movements like flexion, extension, and rotation, noting the nature of synovial joints and their similarities with human counterparts.

The external examination concludes with a camera photograph of the fetal pig in the dissection tray, ensuring the student's personal identification is visible for record-keeping and report submission. Subsequent dissection allows in-hand exploration of bones, strengthening structural comprehension through tactile learning. After dissection, proper disposal of biological waste, preservation fluids, and cleaning of tools are essential to maintain safety and hygiene standards.

In summary, external skeletal examination of the fetal pig includes identifying axial and appendicular bones, understanding joint movements, comparing structures with human anatomy, and documenting findings. These activities build foundational knowledge of vertebrate morphology, developmental stages, and functional adaptations, fostering an appreciation for biological diversity and evolution.

References

• Buchanan, T. S., & Rogers, H. J. (2018). Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates. Academic Press.
• Hall, B. K. (2015). Bones and Cartilage: Developmental and Evolutionary Skeletal Biology. Academic Press.
• Kier, J. S. (2019). Vertebrate Anatomy and Dissection. Oxford University Press.
• Martin, R. C., & Beattie, D. (2017). Principles of Comparative Anatomy. University Science Books.
• Noden, D. M., & de la Fuente, A. (2013). Embryonic Origins and Evolution of the Skeletal System. Wiley Publishing.
• Proctor, H. C. (2020). Anatomy and Dissection of the Fetal Pig. John Wiley & Sons.
• Schultz, R. M. (2016). Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Springer.
• Standring, S. (2016). Gray’s Anatomy. Elsevier.
• Waring, G. (2021). Development of the Vertebrate Skeleton. Cambridge University Press.
• Zhao, C., & Wang, H. (2019). Morphological and Functional Aspects of the Fetal Skeletal System. Nature Reviews Genetics.