Format
Students and teachers should be prepared prior to starting the session. This includes procuring and providing each pair or group of students with a pig heart and a set of equipment for dissecting.
Teachers may obtain the pig heart specimens at:
https://www.nascoeducation.com/pig-heart-preserved-x0000ls02530.html
We recommend that students work in pairs. Each pair should have one preserved pig heart, a dissecting pad and one scalpel, forceps and scissors. We also recommend gloves for each student.
At the start of the program, an introduction to the Saint Louis University Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) Program, including the Gift Donor Program, will be given.
The Saint Louis University anatomy education specialist/healthcare professional will guide the students to explore their pig heart, including the following structures:
Pericardium
Apex of the heart
Superior and inferior vena cava
Right and left atria
Sinoatrial node
Fossa ovalis
Coronary sinus
Aorta and pulmonary trunk
Right and left ventricles
Tricuspid and bicuspid (mitral) valves
Chordae tendineae, papillary muscle
Pulmonary and aortic valves
Cusps/leaflets
Pulmonary veins
Coronary arteries
Objectives
Lesson Objectives:
Students will complete a dissection of a pig heart.
Students will be able to identify the chambers, valves and major vessels of the heart.
Students will utilize comparative anatomy to observe various structures of the heart.
Students will increase their understanding of the structures, functions and relationships associated with the circulatory and cardiopulmonary systems.
Students will increase their understanding of the flow of blood and the cardiac cycle.
Students will increase their foundational knowledge of the human heart as it relates to disease prevention and overall health and wellness.
Students will increase their understanding of risk factors that may contribute to heart disease.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
National Science Education (NSES) Content Standards
Content Standard K-12: Unifying Concepts and Processes: systems order and organization; evidence, models and explanation; form and function (Grades 9-12)
Content Standard A: Science as Inquiry (Grades 9-12; Grades 5-8)
Content Standard C: Life Science: matter, energy and organization of living systems (Grades 9-12)/Life Science: structure and function in living systems; diversity and adaptation of organisms (Grades 5-8)
Content Standard F: Science in Personal Health and Social Perspectives: personal and community health (Grades 9-12)/Science in Personal Health and Social Perspectives: personal health (Grades 5-8)
State Standards
Show Me Standards (Science and Health/Physical Education)
Science 3: Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
Health/Physical Education 1: Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
Health/Physical Education 2: Principles and practices of physical and mental health
Health/Physical Education 3: Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
Health/Physical Education 4: Principles of movement and physical fitness
Health/Physical Education 5: Methods used to assess health, reduce risk factors, avoid high-risk behaviors
Health/Physical Education 6: Consumer health issues