The project members dissected a fetal pig to observe its nervous system. They hypothesized that the nervous system would operate similarly in pigs and humans. During the dissection, they identified key parts of the brain including the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. The three membranes surrounding the brain - dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater - were also observed. The conclusion was that the hypothesis was correct, as the human nervous system could be accurately observed in the fetal pig.

2. Start date: 4/5/12
End date: 4/6/12
Project members: Naheen, Kyle, Mesha, Amna, Sandhya
Teacher’s name: Mr. Green
Background Information:
Also known as the control center of the body, the nervous system is made up of your brain, spinal cord,
and a vast network of nerves throughout your body. Nerves are thin threads of nerve cells, called
neurons, that bundle together and carry messages back and forth. Sensory nerves send messages to the
brain and use the spinal cord to connect to the brain. Motor nerves carry messages back from the brain
to all the muscles and glands in your body. When neurons are stimulated, whether by vibrations, heat,
or coldness, they generate tiny electrical pulses. The electrical pulse in the cell causes chemicals to be
released that carry the pulse to the next cell. These processes take place at mind blowing speeds. The
two different aspects of the nervous system are the peripheral nervous system and the autonomic
nervous system.
In this investigation, we will discover how the nervous system can be observed in fetal pigs.

3. Purpose: How can we observe the nervous system of the human body in fetal pigs?
Hypothesis: If we believe that the nervous system operates similarly in fetal pigs and humans, than we should be able
to accurately observe the organs of this system and how they function in our bodies.
Materials:
•Fetal pig
•Dissecting tools (scalpel, scissors, probe)
•Disposable gloves
•Camera
Procedure:
1.) Using your scalpel, make incisions through the skin of the head. Peel off the skin. Look for lines in the skull, which
indicate where the bones meet. Carefully insert the pointed end of your scissors between the bones. Then use the tips
of your forceps to pull or break off pieces of the skull until you have opened up most of the skinned area.
2.) Cut through the dura mater, exposing the brain. Identify the right and left cerebral hemispheres. Notice the deep
longitudinal fissure. Identify the cerebellum and medulla. Try to locate the olfactory lobes in your pig.
3.) Name the parts of the brain that you identified in your pig and describe the external appearance of each.

4. Observations:
Parts of the Brain Functions
Cerebrum Responsible for motor
commands, thought,
Brain senses, auditory and visual
processing, memory,
emotions
Cerebellum Balance, posture, cardiac
and respiratory centers
Brain Stem Receives nerve signals

5. Analysis:
In this lab, I was able to observe the human nervous system in a fetal pig. Two very important parts of
the nervous system are the brain and spine, which serve as interpreters and highways in order to
operate nerve cells properly. The three membranes surrounding the brain are known as meninges,
which envelope the central nervous system. These meninges consist of the dura mater, arachnoid
mater, and the pia mater. The dura mater is a thick, durable membrane close to the skull. The
arachnoid mater received its name because of its spider-web appearance. It serves as a cushion for the
central nervous system. The pia mater is a very thin, delicate membrane whose blood vessels travel to
the brain and spinal cord, and its capillaries nourish the brain. These parts make up the central nervous
system, which coordinates behavior, thought process, attention, problem solving, personality, intellect,
coordination, eye movements, sense of smell, muscle movements, vision, reading, and other senses.
Some involuntary actions that the medulla oblongata controls include digestion, respiration, and
heartbeat. If someone damaged their cerebellum, they may be unable to coordinate themselves while
driving, or possibly lack certain senses that they once have.

6. Conclusion:
In conclusion, my hypothesis was correct. I was able to observe the human nervous system in a fetal
pig.
Fetal pigs are often used in classroom dissections. These mammals have similar hair, organ systems,
metabolic levels, and body forms as humans. Their soft tissue and underdeveloped bones (cartilage)
make them easier to dissect than other organisms. Since these pigs were never born, their nervous
system was never able to fully function. In a pig’s life, the most important nervous system is the central
nervous system because they need to function properly as animals in order to survive.
During this lab, I was able to learn that dissecting the brain of a fetal pig is challenging. When watching
my instructor, I noticed how protective our skulls are of our brains. Since the skull was not fully ossified,
this pig was much easier to dissect than an adult one.