Required Practical: Dissecting Mass Transport Systems (AQA A Level Biology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7402
Required practical: dissection of mass transport system
It is possible to dissect parts of organisms, e.g. the heart, to better understand form and function
Dissecting the mammalian heart allows us to observe chambers, valves, and associated vessels

Safety
Wear a lab coat, gloves, and eye protection to prevent contamination with biological material
Use dissection tools safely, e.g.:
cut away from the body
keep fingers away from blades
Apparatus
Dissection board
Scalpel
Dissecting scissors
Forceps / tweezers
Pins
Mounted needle
Biological specimen, e.g. pig or sheep heart
Disinfectant and disposal container
Dissection method
Place the specimen on a dissection board with the front facing upwards
The front of the heart can be identified by the location of the coronary arteries, which cross the front of the heart between the left and right ventricles as shown in the image above
Observe external features that are visible, e.g.:
coronary arteries
fatty deposits
left and right atria; these are small flaps at the top of the heart
some of the major blood vessels, e.g. aorta, pulmonary artery
Make two vertical cuts through the centre of the left and right ventricles and atria
This may be easier to accomplish using scissors than a scalpel
Use forceps, fingers or a mounted needle to gently open out the muscle tissue
Pin back the outer sides of the ventricles to expose internal features
Identify the following internal structures:
left and right ventricle walls; you should be able to compare the muscle thickness
the thin muscle walls of the atria
the septum
atrioventricular valves
the entrances to the major blood vessels

Limitations
Dead tissue may not accurately reflect the appearance or flexibility of living organs, e.g.:
sometimes the atria and blood vessels are removed during the butchering process
older tissue, or tissue that has been frozen, may become dry or stiffened
Smaller structures, such as valve flaps, may be difficult to locate
Dissecting only one specimen may limit the reliability of observations
Ethical considerations
Specimens should always come from reputable sources
Biological waste must be disposed of responsibly
Some students may have ethical concerns about animal use, or religious beliefs that may prevent participation in a dissection practical
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You may be asked to suggest a method of dissection for a particular organ; make sure that you name the specific tools, e.g. scissors and forceps, that should be used.
Link visible features, such as wall thickness, to functional significance, i.e. generating high pressure in the left ventricle.
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