2/17/15
Structure and Function of the Heart
Anatomy P5&6 12:34-1:18pm
11th & 12th Grades
Standards (NGSS)
LS1.A: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
How do the structures of organisms enable lifes functions?
Essential Question
What are the different parts of the heart and how does blood circulate through
them?
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to identify the different parts of the heart on a pigs heart.
Identified Student Needs/Differentiation
If some students cannot dissect the hearts for personal reasons/conditions, there is
an alternative assignment they can complete that entails them labeling the
structures on models of human hearts.
Resources/Materials for Lesson
-Dissection Tools
-Dissection Trays
-Gloves
Purpose of this lab: To review the structural characteristics of the human heart and
to examine the major features of a mammalian heart.
Proceed as follows:
right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle, superior and
inferior vena cava, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, aorta
c. Compare the thickness of the arteries and the veins, explain why one
might be thicker
d. Compare the thickness of the pulmonary artery to the aorta, explain why
one might be thicker
3. Examine the posterior surface of the heart . Locate the stumps of two relatively
thin-walled blood vessels that enter the right atrium. Demonstrate this connection
by passing a slender probe through them. The upper vessel is the superior vena
cava, and the lower one is the inferior vena cava.
b. Find the opening to the pulmonary trunk and use the scissors to cut
upward
through the wall of the right ventricle. Follow the pulmonary trunk until
you
have exposed the pulmonary valve.
c. Examine the valves and their cusps.
6. Open the left side of the heart. To do this, follow these steps:
a. Insert the blade of the scissors through the wall of the left atrium and cut
downward to the apex of the heart.
b. Open the left atrium and locate the four openings of the pulmonary veins.
Pass a slender probe through each opening and locate the stump of its
vessel.
c. Examine the bicuspid valve (mitral valve) and its cusps.
d. Also examine the left ventricle and compare the thickness of its wall with
that of the right ventricle.
7. Locate the aorta, which leads away from the left ventricle, and proceed as
follows:
a. Use scissors to cut along the length of the aorta to expose the aortic valve
at its base.
b. Examine the cusps of the valve and locate the openings of the coronary
arteries just distal to them.
Name __________________________
Heart Dissection Analysis Questions (Answer in complete sentences)
1. How many chambers are found in the mammalian heart? List these chambers.
And describe their difference in location and type of blood found in each chamber
2. How do the walls of the atria compare with the walls of the ventricles and why
are they different?
3. Which ventricular wall is thicker, the right ventricle or left ventricle? Why is
this?
5. Describe the action of the tricuspid valve when you squeezed the water-filled
right ventricle.
6. Name the two valves that are found between the atrium and ventricles. Also
describe structural similarities and difference between these valves
8. Which type of valves have chordae tendineae? What is their function and why
doesnt the other type of valves have them?
9. Vessels that carry blood away from the heart are called __________, while
__________ carry blood toward the heart.
10. Explain the differences in thickness between the wall of the aorta and
pulmonary (trunk) artery and why this occurs?
12. What is the purpose of the coronary artery and what results if there is blockage
in this vessel?