Carolina Biological Supply Company
Comparative Mammalian Organ Dissection
featuringCarolina’s Perfect Solution® Specimens
www.carolina.com
800-334-5551
2008
Burlington, NC
Session Objectives:
• To introduce general structure, physiology, and interdependence of major mammalian organs: brain, heart, kidney, and eye
• To experience the quality of Carolina’s Perfect Solution® specimens
Carolina’s Perfect Solution® Specimens
• No formaldehyde odor
• Non-toxic
• Superior quality
• No special ventilation or disposal required
• Use in any classroom or lab
“Carolina’s Perfect Solution® is an excellent preservative and it provides a much better atmosphere for students. We highly recommend it!”
Robert BowdenInstructor in Gross AnatomyWake Forest University Medical Center
Carolina’s Perfect Solution® Specimens
Unlike some of our Competitors’ Products, Carolina’s Perfect Solution®
specimens:
• Do not attempt to mask a formaldehyde scent with other chemicals.
• Are not fixed initially with formaldehyde and then perfused with another “formalin-free” alternative.
• Do not use other potentially harmful chemicals such as glutaraldehyde in the fixing process.
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Dissection Preparation Tips
• Organize your dissection area
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment: apron, gloves, and safety glasses
• Place absorbent pad under the dissecting pan (white side up)
• Lay out your instruments so they are easy to access
Suggested Classroom Set-Up
Divide class into four groups
per classroom kit.
Heart Station
Kidney Station
Suggested Classroom Set-Up
Each student group is responsible for careful dissection and preservation of all discernible parts of that organ.
Organ Dissection
• Complete dissection of selected organ according to guide.
• Note any tips for dissection to share with group.
Student Data and Observations
Brain Heart Kidney Eye
Major
Function
Description
Specialized
Tissues
Associated
Organs
System
Questions for Discussion:
• Describe the general tissue types found in each organ examined.
• Observe the cardiac muscle slide. What are intercalated disks, and how do they help conduct impulses?
• View the prepared slide of the kidney section. Describe the appearance of the glomerulus, proximal and distal convoluted tubules, and collecting ducts. What are the functions of each of these structures?
Questions for Discussion:
• Describe the blood flow for each organ. How is
it similar? How is it different?
• Describe how each organ has a role in
controlling or affecting the function of the other
organs studied.
Mammalian Organ Systems:
• Emphasize the relationship of associated organs and systems.
• Discuss the interdependence of each system.
Sheep Brain Dissection
Points for Discussion:
• Identify all major regions of sheep brain and record function.
• Discuss similarities and differences between brain of sheep and human.
Heart Dissection:
Points for Discussion:
• Identify all visible structures and list function.
• How does pig heart compare with human heart?
Interdependence of Systems:
Considering blood flow and innervation, discuss how each organ is interdependent.
Additional Resources from Carolina
Carolina™ BioLab® Virtual Lab Series
Guide students through an interactive virtual dissection, teaching internal and external features