Anatomy & Physiology

The following blog entry was written by Middle School Science Teacher, John Pedersen:

Having taught the current Grade 8 students since sixth grade, I have seen them mature and grow academically. Many of these students have expressed the desire to pursue a medical degree so this year, I have placed an emphasis on topics associated with the medical field as we have progressed through the Grade 8 curriculum.

After completing our taxonomy unit and discovering how the anatomies of different species differs, the students were interested in the similarities and differences between humans and other species. As it turns out, the fetal pig’s organs, organ systems, and tissues are very similar to those of a human, as are its external features such as birthmarks, hair, and skin. Together, we decided to explore the anatomy and physiology of a fetal pig and compare it to a human’s anatomy. These similarities are what allow students to dissect a fetal pig following the protocol of an actual human autopsy.

During an autopsy, the body is examined with the utmost care and professionalism. The forensic pathologist carefully records all of the minute details of his or her examination of the body’s external and internal structures for clues to what could have caused the person’s death. Upon completion of the autopsy, students place all organs and connective tissue back into the body cavity and suture the Y incision closed using a curved suture needle and thread—much as a forensic pathologist would close a human subject. They then discard the specimen in accordance with our laboratory waste disposal procedures. This lab not only ties in the completion of our taxonomy unit but is also a precursor to our upcoming forensics unit.

I have been very impressed with the care, attention to detail, and genuine interest in scientific discovery that the students have demonstrated. This has been a great learning experience for all.