Pig Dissection: Vocab and Fast Facts

Urogenital opening

The external opening through which urine and reproductive fluids are expelled, located in both male and female pigs. In males, it is also the exit for sperm. Located near the anus for females and located near the umbilical cord for males — can be used to determine sex of pig.

Umbilical Cord

A tube-like structure that is attached to the abdomen of the pig fetus (both male and female). Connects fetus to the placenta; extends from the midline of the ventral surface. Contains two Umbilical Arteries and an Umbilical Vein.

Urogenital Papilla

found near the urogenital opening in female pigs — can be used to determine sex of pig

Anterior

referring to the front end of the pig's body, typically the head or face area.

Posterior

referring to the back end of the pig's body, typically the tail or rear area.

Dorsal

referring to the back or upper side of the pig's body.

Ventral

referring to the belly or underside of the pig's body.

Medial

toward the midline or middle of the body

Lateral

toward the outside of the body

Proximal

close to a point of reference

Distal

farther from a point of reference

Hard palate

the part on the roof of the mouth toward the front

Soft palate

the part on the roof of the mouth toward the back.

Sensory Papillae (Taste Buds)

On the side of the tongue

Epiglottis

Pharynx

1.1 cm

21 Days

1.7 cm

35 days

2.8 cm

49 days

4 cm

56 days

22 cm

100 days

30 cm

birth

number of toes on pig’s feet

TBD

description of eyes of a fetal pig

TBD

Masseter Muscle

Lymph Nodes

Salivary Glands (Parotid)

Diaphragm

This muscle divides the thoracic and abdominal cavity and is located near the ribcage. It aids in breathing.

Liver

This structure is loved and is the largest organ in the body. It is responsible for making bile for digestion.

Gall Bladder

This greenish organ is located underneath the liver; it stores bile and sends it to the duodenum through the bile duct

Bile Duct

attaches gall bladder to the duodenum

Stomach

a pouch-shaped organ that rests just underneath and to the pig’s left. At the top of this, you’ll find the esophagus. It’s responsible for breaking down food.

Esophagus

Cardiac Sphincter Valve

Pyloric Sphincter Valve

Small Intestine

Duodenum

Ileum

Mesentery

Mesenteric Arteries

Pancreas

Pancreatic Duct

Spleen

Splenic Artery

Cecum

Large Intestine

Rectum

Anus

Kidneys

Umbilical Vessels

Urinary Bladder

Ureters

Urethra

Renal Vessels

Scrotal Sacs

Testis

Epididymis

Vas Deferens

penis

Ovaries

Oviducts

Vagina

Uterus

Pericardium

Atria

Ventricle

Pulmonary Trunk

Aorta

Abdominal (Dorsal) Aorta

Common Carotid

Right Subclavian

Common Carotid

Left and Right Carotid Arteries

Coronary Vessels

The arteries and veins that supply blood to the heart muscle itself, ensuring it receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients to function effectively.

Intercostal Arteries

Anterior and Posterior Vena Cava

Left and Right Jugular Veins

Bronchial Tubes

Trachea

Cartilaginous rings

Thyroid Gland

Larynx

Hepatic Artery

Splenic Artery

Renal Artery

Mesenteric Artery

Iliac Arteries

Femoral Arteries

Ilio-Lumbar Artery

Deep Femoral Artery