Biology Lab Overview

Week Overview

  • Week one study materials and assignments provided.
  • Followed by week two study materials and assignments.
  • Important to access assignments through the designated module, not through AccessPearson.
    • Accessing Assignments:
    • Use AccessPearson for eTextbook or eLab manual.
    • Go to the module labeled "week [number] assignments" to find specific assignments.
  • Click on the actual assignment to enter Pearson for completion.

BOB Models

  • Models referred to as BOBs (Definition pending).
  • Open Lab Sessions: Key opportunity to interact with models freely.
    • Students can pull apart and reassemble models to understand anatomy better.
  • Models include bones, muscles, and related anatomical features.
  • Models available in the library for reference and practice sessions.
    • Reference Section: Models are available for checkout for hands-on learning.
  • Open lab scheduling is provided on a backboard near the lab area.
  • Instructor Availability:
    • Instructor offers five office hours weekly for questions and model help.
    • Office Location: Room 29
    • Office Hours:
      • Tuesdays: 12 PM - 1 PM
      • Thursdays: 8 AM - 9 AM

Model Guides

  • Each model has a corresponding guidebook available on benches.
    • Models are labeled with colored bases (green, white, gray) for identification.
    • Example of Identification:
    • Right Lung identified as number 10 within the thoracic cavity.

Dissection Activities

  • Rat Dissection:
    • Types of Rats: Pre-dissected rats and whole rats provided for dissection.
    • Whole rats offered for students interested in full dissection experience.
    • Dissection Tools Available: Safety glasses, gloves, scissors, scalpels, probes, and tweezers.
    • Safety Measures:
    • Use safety glasses during dissection, especially near delicate areas like the eyes.
    • Handle sharp instruments correctly (points facing down when walking).
    • Team Setup: Students will work in small groups (2-3 per group) for dissection activities.
    • Clean Up Process: Dissection tools cleaned with disinfectant, trays rinsed, and tables wiped down post-activity.

Respect for Specimens

  • Emphasis on respecting the life of the animals used for dissection.
  • Mindfulness of the creatures' sacrifice is encouraged before starting dissection activities.

Rat Anatomy Overview

  • Identifying key organs during a rat dissection:
    • Thoracic Cavity Contents: Heart, lungs, diaphragm, liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, intestines (small and large).
    • Emphasizing the position of organs and importance of visualization in learning anatomy:
    • Diaphragm: Separates thoracic from abdominal cavity.
    • Cecum: Important part of the large intestine.
    • Specific features relevant to gender in rats (e.g., uterus in females and testicles in males).
    • Observations During Dissection:
    • Take care when making incisions; focus on correctly opening up the body cavity for clear visibility of organs.

Body Systems Explained

  • Respiratory System:
    • Function of lungs in gas exchange; diffusion process from alveoli into blood.
  • Circulatory/Cardiovascular Systems:
    • Heart structure (four chambers: two ventricles, two atria).
    • Blood circulation pathways discussed: vena cava to heart, aorta system explained.
    • The role of arteries (red) versus veins (blue) versus lymphatic vessels (green).
  • Digestive Process:
    • Pathway of food: mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines.
    • Function of the liver in digestion and detoxification; production of bile.
    • Enzymatic action from pancreas and bile from gallbladder aiding in digestion of fats and nutrients.
  • Urinary System:
    • Functionality of kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, and urethra.
    • Differences in male and female urinary and reproductive systems noted, emphasizing anatomy relevance to urinary tract infections.

Practical Tips and Guidelines

  • Importance of hands-on practice and physical examination in understanding human anatomy: encourages students to develop their examination skills.
  • Personal Hygiene in Lab Setting: Importance of cleanliness, especially post-dissection, as well as handling equipment safely.
  • Recommendations for maintaining health during high-stress periods, such as during medical studies.

Summary and Next Steps

  • Review anatomy of provided models and prepare for practical dissection.
  • Understand the anatomy discussed in context to medical applications and patient care regarding anatomy knowledge.
  • Engage and participate actively to foster a supportive learning environment.