Dissection of the Swine Pluck

A compilation of key vocabulary terms and their definitions related to the dissection of the swine pluck and anatomy.

Pluck

Refers to the organs from different body systems, primarily the respiratory and circulatory systems, removed together from the thoracic cavity after slaughter.

Epiglottis

A leaf-shaped elastic cartilage located above the larynx that prevents food and fluids from entering the larynx during swallowing.

Larynx

Also known as the voice box, it contains vocal folds that vibrate to produce sound and is connected to the arytenoid cartilages that control pitch.

Trachea

The rigid, hollow tube extending from the larynx to the carina that bifurcates into two primary bronchi.

Bronchi

The primary branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs and further subdivide into smaller bronchioles.

Alveoli

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the bloodstream and carbon dioxide to leave.

Lung Lobes

Most mammals have seven lung lobes, including cranial, middle, caudal, and an accessory lobe on the right side.

Syrinx

An organ located at the bifurcation of the bronchi in birds, allowing them to produce complex vocalizations.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that expand the ribcage during inhalation.

Diaphragm

The primary muscle responsible for creating negative pressure in the thoracic cavity to allow lung expansion during inhalation.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air or gas accumulates in the pleural cavity, leading to a collapsed lung.

Float Test for Lungs

A diagnostic method to assess lung function by testing if lung tissue floats in water due to trapped air in the alveoli.