Students in Melissa Ziegler’s bio-medical class at Four Rivers Career Center recently got hands-on experience in anatomy by dissecting fetal pigs as part of their laboratory studies.

The exercise, a staple in biomedical science programs, allows students to explore internal organ systems and gain a deeper understanding of mammalian biology. Fetal pigs, which are commonly used in educational settings, offer striking anatomical similarities to humans, making them ideal for studying bodily structures and systems.

“These specimens provide an excellent opportunity for students to apply what they've learned in the classroom,” said Ziegler. “They not only get to identify each organ, but also draw conclusions about the piglet’s developmental stage and possible cause of death.”

Fetal pigs used in classrooms are byproducts of the pork industry. They are collected from the uterus after a sow has given birth, ensuring that no animals are bred specifically for dissection. Students in the lab examined organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines while also investigating age and condition at the time of death.

Photos from the dissection lab can be viewed below.