Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The Veins and Arteries Below the Diaphragm

3/12/15

***= Special Procedure

Focus of Procedure:
Identify the veins and arteries below the diaphragm. Understand the path of blood flow from the heart to the organs.

Materials:
-scalpel
-tweezers
-teaser needle

Procedure:

***Semara is a female cat. During this procedure the gonadal veins and arteries, which connect to the female cat's ovaries, will need to be located. Skip this step if your cat is male.

1) Review the path of blood flow from the lungs to the heart and from the heart to the organs. Understand that the veins are a blue color and the arteries are a pinkish/red color.
2) Use your scalpel to gently and carefully locate and identify the required veins and arteries. If necessary, use the teaser needle to clean off the smaller veins and arteries.
3) Open up the cat, moving the organs to the side. Start by locating the inferior vena cava and thoracic aorta. The inferior vena cava is a large, long vein that goes down vertically from the diaphragm to about the lower belly of the cat (right on the midline of the body). The thoracic aorta is an artery that is also fairly large and located in the same area. The inferior vena cava and thoracic aorta are both very easy to spot and are located directly next to each other. Take pictures.
4) Once you locate the inferior vena cava, find the Hepatic vein and artery which connect to the liver.
5) Right across from the liver is the stomach. You will notice the Hepatic vein and the Hepatic artery appear to connect from the liver to the stomach. The end of the Hepatic vein that connects to the stomach becomes the Gastric Vein. The end of the Hepatic artery that connects to the stomach becomes the Gastric Artery.
6) Directly underneath the Gastric and Hepatic vein is the Celiac trunk. The Celiac trunk is fairly small and shaped like a "y". Locate this artery and take pictures of the following: Hepatic vein, Hepatic artery, Gastric vein, Gastric artery and Celiac trunk.
7) Locate the spleen and flip the organ over, looking at the bottom of it. Try to find the splenic artery by looking for where this artery connects to the organ. You may need to clean off excess fat tissue to identify this artery. Take a picture once the splenic artery is identified.
8) Go back down to the inferior vena cava and identify the kidneys and ovaries. Locate the Renal veins and the Renal arteries, which connect to the kidneys. Locate the Gonadal veins and Gonadal arteries, which connect to the ovaries.
9) Above the right kidney is the superior mesenteric artery. Below the left kidney and left ovary is the inferior mesenteric artery. Locate both these arteries.
10) Takes pictures of the following: Renal veins, Renal arteries, Gonadal veins, Gonadal arteries, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery.
11) Directly below the inferior mesenteric artery, on both left and right of the cat's body, are the lliolumbar arteries and veins. The lliolumbar artery and the lliolumbar vein will be extremely close to each other and possibly be intertwined or overlapping (on each side). Take pictures of the lliolumbar veins and arteries. You can include the inferior mesenteric artery in this picture in order to illustrate the distance between the veins and arteries.
12) Go back down the thoracic aorta. If you follow the thoracic aorta all the way down the cat's stomach, you will notice this artery branches off into smaller arteries. The smallest artery that branches down the midline and continues to break into smaller arteries is called the internal iliac artery. The two arteries that branch off on the left and right are called the external iliac arteries. Follow these arteries down to the upper thigh area, and they become the femoral arteries.
13) While observing the thoracic aorta, you may notice that the inferior vena cava also branches into smaller veins. The two veins that branch off on the left and right are called the common iliac vein or external iliac vein. These veins break off into a smaller branch on each side that is directed toward the midline or center of the cat's body. These tiny branches facing the midline are the internal iliac veins. Follow external iliac veins down to the upper thigh area, and they become the femoral veins.
14) Take pictures of the following: Internal iliac artery, Internal iliac vein, External iliac artery, Common iliac vein/External Iliac vein, Femoral artery and Femoral vein.
15) Take a picture of all the veins and arteries below the diaphragm together. Take as many more pictures as you wish to take.

Data:

Semara's veins and arteries were all healthy and did not have any abnormalities. Her veins were of normal size as well as her arteries. Her veins were actually larger than her arteries. At times it was difficult to find Semara's arteries because they were incredibly small. Some of her veins and arteries were covered by fat tissue, which made it harder to find the veins and arteries. The Hepatic, Gastric and celiac trunk arteries were the hardest to find because there was tissue covering them. The external and internal iliac veins were also difficult because it was hard to decipher which was which. I had a hard time in general locating all the specific veins and arteries due to the abundance of veins and arteries below the diaphragm. Overall I would say Semara's circulatory system was in great health and functioning normally. All pictures are shown below. There will also be two pictures that illustrate the location and names of the veins and arteries above the diaphragm.

The Veins and Arteries of the Circulatory System Below the Diaphragm.









The Veins and Arteries of the Circulatory System Above the Diaphragm.




Conclusion:

Observing the veins and arteries was very interesting because I got to see how blood was carried to and from the organs. Finding the required veins and arteries was like hide and seek; some veins and arteries were right in front of you and others you had to search for. I enjoyed this process of locating all the different veins and arteries and got excited whenever I found one. At times the veins and arteries were so small that it was difficult to find them. There were also a lot of veins and arteries (it seemed) near the same organ, making it difficult for me to figure out which vein or artery was the one I needed to find. Labeling my pictures was also tricky because in a few pictures I did not know what I was looking at or I could not see where the vein or artery was. Overall I think observing the veins and arteries was very interesting. I was able to visualize the path of blood flow and definitely gained a better understanding of how the circulatory system works. 






Friday, March 27, 2015

Preview to the Organs Below the Diaphragm.

3/5/15

***= special procedure due to specific circumstances with my cat, Semara.

Focus of Procedure:
-Cut into the stomach of the cat and observe the various organs below the diaphragm.
***Cut into the fallopian tubes and observe the large masses inside them.

Materials:
-scalpel
-tweezers
*** teaser needle
***plastic bag

Procedure:
1) Using your scalpel, cut vertically down the stomach of the cat (top to bottom).
2) Observe all the organs; locate the diaphragm, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, spleen, kidneys, small intestines, large intestines and rectum. Look for any defects or abnormalities in/on each organ.
3) Take pictures of the all the organs as a whole, then even organ individually.

***Special Procedure:
Semara is female, so locating and observing the ovaries and fallopian tubes was necessary. My lab partner and I found two large masses in Semara's fallopian tubes (one mass in each tube). The following procedure was done to determine if this cat was either pregnant or had cancerous tumors.

1) Take pictures of the abnormalities in the fallopian tubes before removing them.
2) After observing the abnormal masses in the fallopian tubes, use your scalpel to cut through the fallopian tubes to remove both masses. Be careful not to cut into the masses.
3) Once the masses are removed, delicately use a teaser needle to open up the inside of each mass. Only cut around the outside of the masses, do not cut directly through the masses.
4) Take a picture of your findings after you have opened up each mass.

Data and Observations:

All of Semara's organs in her digestive system were in great condition, except her small intestine and stomach. As previously stated, Semara had a bowel obstruction, which was most likely her cause of death. Her reproductive system was also very abnormal. Her fallopian tubes both contained a large mass, which unfortunately were cancerous tumors. After discovering Semara had cancer and a bowel obstruction it is safe to say she was a very unhealthy, sick cat.




Conclusion:

Cutting into the stomach and finally getting to observe the digestive system was very exciting! I have been waiting all year to study the digestive system and have always wanted to know what each organ looked like. Identifying each organ was extremely easy for me and this procedure was very easy. At first my lab partner and I believe the masses in Semara's fallopian tubes were baby kittens. We were excited to observe the baby kittens, but the large masses turned out to be cancerous tumors, which was unfortunate.

Dissection of the Heart

3/4/15- 3/5/15

Focus of Procedure:

-Identify and observe the parts of the heart and demonstrate an understanding of the blood flow from the lungs, through the heart and out to the body.

Materials:

-scalpel, tweezers, teaser needle, and plastic bag.

Procedure:

1) Remove the heart from the plastic bag and study the parts of the heart.
2) Using a scalpel, remove any excess fat surrounding the heart. Take pictures of the heart while it is intact.
3) Using a scalpel, cut the heart in half horizontally, dividing the heart into two halves. Notice the left and right ventricles. The right ventricle is dyed blue and is the un-oxygenated side. The left ventricle is dyed pink/red and is the oxygenated side. Take a picture of the heart cut in half, specifically the ventricles. Pay special attention to the difference in thickness of the walls in the heart. This thick wall is called the septum.
4) Discuss the the heart's importance to the blood flow in the body. Understand the cycle of blood flow from lungs to heart and heart to body.
5) Using a teaser needle, clean out the extra dried blood (blackish colored and stuck inside the ventricles) then try to identify the chordate tendineae fibers within the heart. Do this carefully as the fibers are extremely delicate.
6) Once you have finished clearing out the ventricles take a picture of the inside of the ventricles on each halve of the heart. Take pictures of the chordate tendineae fibers if possible.
7) Now using your scalpel, cut each halve of the heart down the middle or vertically. This will allow you to have a better view and understanding of the ventricles and chordate tendineae.
8) Finish taking any pictures of the heart and then place the heart back into the plastic bag.

Data and Observations:
Samara's heart was fairly small yet in very good condition. There was a fair amount of fat covering the heart, but once that was removed, I had a better view of her heart. After cutting the heart in half, I was able to view the ventricles. The walls of the heart were thicker around the left ventricle, which is the oxygenated side; and the walls around the left ventricle (the un-oxygenated side) were thinner. This is because the arteries are smaller than the veins, which allows for rapid transfer of blood back to the heart. Semara's ventricles looked very healthy and I was clearly able to see the difference between her left and right ventricles. I had trouble finding the chordate tendineae fibers, but overall Semara had a very healthy heart. All pictures are shown below.



Conclusion:
Dissecting the heart was fairly easy and it gave me a better understanding of the circulatory system. I was able to physically hold the heart in my hands and visually see the different parts of the heart, which gave me a better understanding of the blood flow through the heart and out to the body. I enjoyed dissecting the heart because it was very cool to see the inside of the heart and how this organ functions.


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Dissection of the Lung

2/23/15- 2/24/15

Focus of Procedure:
1) Locate the primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi of the lung.
2) Locate alveoli and observe under a microscope.

Materials: scalpel, tweezers, teaser needle, microscope, glass slide (for microscope), and plastic bag.

Procedure:
1) Remove the heart, lungs and trachea from the plastic bag.
2) Using a scalpel and tweezers (if necessary), detach the heart from the lungs.
3) Locate the primary bronchi and secondary bronchi of the lung. The primary bronchi branch off from the end of the trachea. The secondary bronchi branch off from the primary bronchi.
4) Select one lobe from the lungs to dissect. Using a teaser needle, make an incision down each side of the secondary bronchi. Do this in order to locate the tertiary bronchi, which branch off from the secondary bronchi.
5) Follow the tertiary bronchi with the teaser needle. You will be able to locate and observe the alveoli at the ends of the tertiary bronchi.
6) Once you have located the primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi, take a picture.
7) Now use the scalpel to remove a tiny piece of the end of the lobe you were just dissecting.
8) Take out the microscope and a glass slide. Place the piece of lung on the glass slide and place the glass slide under the microscope. Observe the alveoli under the microscope.
9) Take a picture of the microscopic view of the alveoli.
10) Place the heart, lungs and trachea back into the plastic bag.

Data and Observations: I found it quite easy to locate the primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi. It was very interesting to dissect a lung because I have always wondered what the inside of a lung looks like. I also enjoyed observing the alveoli under the microscope. At first I thought the air bubbles in the lung were the alveoli, but then my teacher corrected me; The white circles I saw were the alveoli and the black smaller circles were air bubbles. Looking at the lung under the microscope was very cool! All of Semara's (the cat's) organs seemed to be in very good shape, despite the fat around her heart. I definitely enjoyed this unit and cannot wait to continue dissecting! Pictures and data shown below.

*INCASE YOU CAN'T READ THE PICTURE, READ THE TEXT BELOW!

What did you learn from the Lung presentation that you did?

I learned the seriousness of cystic fibrosis. I learned that cystic fibrosis causes a defect in a gene that causes sticky, thick mucus to develop in tubes, ducts and passageways of the lungs, making it very difficult and painful to breathe. I also learned about the different chest physical therapy and machines that can help a person with cystic fibrosis breathe better, Most importantly I learned where to get treatment or a diagnosis if I or a loved one ever has symptoms of cystic fibrosis.




Removal of the Heart and Lungs

2/12/15

Focus of Procedure: Remove the heart, lungs and trachea from the cat's body.

Materials Needed: scalpel, tweezers, and plastic bag,

Procedure: Part One- Removing the Heart, lungs and trachea.
1) Using a scalpel, make a vertical incision going down the center of the chest, from the sternum to the end of the ribs. This incision may be slightly off center in order to remove the sternum easier.
2) Once this incision is made, remove the sternum, but do not cut into the diaphragm, which is directly inferior the lungs and ribs. Take pictures of the sternum once it is removed from the cat's body.
3) Now that the sternum is removed, make a vertical, off centered incision that goes up the neck of the cat. Make this incision deep enough to allow you to view the trachea. Be careful not to sever the trachea. Take a picture of the trachea, larynx, epiglottis and thyroid glands. The larynx is superior the trachea and the epiglottis is superior the larynx. The thyroid glands are located on either side of the trachea, inferior the larynx and epiglottis.
4) Using your scalpel (and tweezers if necessary), begin to disconnect the trachea, allowing you to remove it from the neck of the cat. Try to keep the larynx and epiglottis intact (located superior the trachea) for labeling purposes.
5) Begin to make a deeper vertical cut down the cat's ribs and attempt to pull the ribs apart, allowing you a clear view of the heart and lungs. Take pictures of the location of the heart, lungs and diaphragm inside the cat. Also take a picture of the thymus, which is located superior the heart to the right.
6) Once the ribs are moved away from the heart and lungs, carefully detach the back of the lungs from the wall of the chest. Be sure to leave the heart connected to the lungs and do not sever any part of the lungs, heart or trachea.
7) Continue to pull the ribs apart and use your scalpel and tweezers to cautiously remove the heart, lungs and trachea. If necessary, break the ribs in order to disconnect the lungs from the chest wall.
8) Once the lungs are disconnected from the chest wall, make an incision at the bottom of the lungs, detaching the lungs from the front of the diaphragm.
9) The lungs, heart and trachea should be completely detached from the cat's body and able to be entirely removed.
10) Take pictures of the epiglottis, larynx, trachea, thyroid glands ( if still intact), thymus (if still intact), heart and lungs outside of the cat's body.
11) Place the lungs, heart and trachea into a large plastic bag when done taking pictures.

Data and Observations: Removing the trachea, heart and lungs from the chest was harder than expected. I had no difficulty removing the trachea but, I had to crack most of the ribs in order to reach the sides of the lungs and remove them. At first I was not sure what I was doing and was afraid to make an incision on the cat because I did not want to make a mistake. Once I figured out how to remove the organs, everything was easy. I really enjoyed observing these organs, especially the trachea! Observing a trachea up close was a very cool experience and observing the lungs and heart was also very interesting! This has been my favorite unit so far and I am excited to further dissect the lungs and heart in the future. Pictures and data are shown below.
















Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Muscles of the Leg and Thigh

11/3/14, 11/5/14 and 11/6/14

Procedure:
  1. Locate and identify the superficial muscles of the leg. Be sure to be observing the outer-side of the leg. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the Gastrocnemius, the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus and vastus lateralis. The gastrocnemius is intermediate between the semitendinosus (left of the gastrocnemius) and the vastus lateralis (right of the gastrocnemius).  The biceps femoris are directly superior (above) the gastrocnemius and also intermediate between the semitendinosus (left of the biceps femoris) and the vastus lateralis (right of the biceps femoris). Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
  2. With a scalpel, clearly outline these superficial leg muscles and then take a picture.
  3. Next, locate and identify the fascia latae and the tensor fasciae latae of the thigh. The fascia latae is inferior (below) the tensor fasciae latae. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles. Next take a picture of the fascia latae and the tensor fascia latae before making incision marks.
  4. Locate and identify the superficial muscles of the thigh. Be sure to be observing the outer-side of the thigh. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the sartorius, the caudofemoralis, the gluteus maximus and the gluteus medius. The caudofemoralis is inferior (below) the gluteus maximus. The gluteus medius is a superficial muscle underneath the gluteus maximus. The sartorius is a muscle that connects the upper thigh to the trunk (body) of the cat. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
  5. With a scalpel, clearly outline these superficial thigh muscles and then take a picture.
  6. Move on to the inner thigh and identify the sartorius and the gracilis muscle. The sartorius runs vertically up the thigh of the left and the gracilis is a slightly smaller muscle running vertically up the thigh of the right. With a scalpel, outline both these muscles.
  7. Identify the femoral artery, which is a long, thin artery running vertically up the thigh and down the leg of the cat. Identify the femoral vein (blue) which is also long and thin and runs vertically up the thigh and down the leg of the cat. Lastly, identify the adductor muscles, which are to the right of the blue vein at the upper area of the inner thigh. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of the arteries, veins and adductor muscles.  
  8. With a scalpel (and surgical tweezers if needed) separate the femoral artery and the femoral vein but, do not cut off. Take a picture.
  9. Next with the scalpel, cut the gracilis muscle in order to clearly identify the adductor femoris. The adductor femoris is directly underneath the gracilis muscle, running vertically up the thigh. Take a picture of the incision made in the gracilis muscle and the exposed adductor femoris.  
  10. Then with a scalpel, cut the adductor femoris, exposing the semimembranosus muscle which is underneath the adductor femoris. Take a picture of the incision made in the adductor femoris and the exposed semimembranosus muscle. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of the gracilis, adductor femoris and the semimembranosus.
  11. Next locate and cut the gastrocnemius muscle with a scalpel, which is inferior (below) the semimembranosus. This incision will expose the  the semitendinosus muscle, which is underneath the gastrocnemius. Take a picture of the incision made in the gastrocnemius muscle and the exposed semitendinosus muscle. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
  12. Recognize the sartorius muscle (previously identified). Inferior (below) to the sartorius muscle is the tibialis anterior and tibia and the flexor digitorum. The tibia is intermediate between the tibialis anterior and the flexor digitorum. The flexor digitorum is proximal (next) to the gastrocnemius. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
  13. With a scalpel, separate these muscles and then take a picture.
  14. Next cut the sartorius muscle with a scalpel and identify the vastus lateralis and the vastus medialis. Both of these muscles lie underneath the sartorius muscle and run vertically up the inner thigh. The vastus medialis is intermediate between the vastus lateralis and the semimembranosus muscle (previously identified).
  15. Superior (above) to the vastus lateralis and the vastus medialis is the rectus femoris. While being located above these two muscles, the rectus femoris is also intermediate between the vastus lateralis and the vastus medialis at the uppermost part of the inner thigh. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of the vastus lateralis, the vastus medialis and the rectus femoris.
  16. After identifying these muscles, separate them using a scalpel in order to clearly outline their location. Take a picture
  17. Proximal (next) to the vastus medialis is the adductor femoris muscle (previously identified). Superior (above) to the vastus medialis and the semimembranosus are three small muscles, located at the uppermost part of the inner thigh. These three muscles are called the iliopsoas, the pectineus and the adductor longus. These three muscles are also intermediate between the vastus medialis and the semimembranosus. The pectineus is intermediate between the iliopsoas and the adductor longus.The Iliopsoas is proximal (next) to the rectus femoris. The adductor longus is proximal (next) to the adductor femoris. The Iliopsoas is proximal (next) to the rectus femoris.
  18. Next identify the calcaneal tendon (achilles), which is located inferior (below) to the gastrocnemius. Clean up this tendon using a scalpel in order for it to be clearly seen. Take a picture. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of this tendon.
  19. Turn back to the outer thigh and leg. Recognize the location of biceps femoris (previously identified), which takes up the upper area of the outer thigh. Directly inferior (below) the biceps femoris is the semitendinosus. The semitendinosus is intermediate between the biceps femoris and the gastrocnemius. The gastrocnemius is inferior (below) the semitendinosus and the biceps femoris. Identify and clearly outline these muscles with a scalpel and then take a picture. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
  20. Located on the gastrocnemius muscle is the posterior tibial nerve. The posterior tibial nerve runs vertically up the leg and down to the calcaneal tendon (achilles). Separate this nerve with a scalpel (and surgical tweezers if necessary) and then take a picture of this nerve. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of this nerve.
  21. Identify the following deep leg muscles: the soleus, the peroneus and the extensor digitorum longus. The soleus is superior (above) the peroneus. The extensor digitorum longus is inferior (below) the peroneus. The peroneus is intermediate between the soleus and the extensor digitorum longus. With a scalpel, separate these deep leg muscles and take a picture. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these muscles.
Materials: scalpel and surgical tweezers.
Data and Observations:
Semara had beautiful thigh and leg muscles as well as beautiful veins, nerves and arteries. All of her thigh and leg muscles were in great condition and in the correct place. All of her veins, nerves and arteries were also in the correct positions and in great condition. Semara’s arteries were small but her veins were large. Her nerves were slightly thin and an average size. Pictures and data shown below.






Human Corresponding Leg Muscles

Conclusion:
Dissecting the thigh and leg of the cat was definitely the most difficult. I was again confused and did not have a clear understanding of what I was supposed to do. Infact, my lab partner and I needed extra time to finish dissecting the muscles of the leg. It was difficult for me to enjoy this process because I struggled to decipher between the different muscles and understand the anatomy. Although, I did enjoy studying the veins, nerves and arteries on the inside of the thigh. I had never seen a nerve before and always wondered what it looked like. Identifying the veins, nerves and arteries was easier and I was able dissect them. Overall, dissecting the leg and thigh felt a bit rushed and I wish I had a better understanding of the different muscles.  


Muscles of the Arm and Forearm

10/28/14-10/30/14

Procedure:
  1. Place the cat on its back then take the upper arm and identify the superficial muscles. You should be looking at the inner-side of the cat’s upper arm. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the spinodeltoid (previously identified), the brachialis, the acromiodeltoid (previously identified), the triceps (the long head) and triceps brachii (the medial head and previously identified). The acromiodeltoid is superior (above) to the brachialis. The spinodeltoid is inferior (below) to the brachialis. The brachialis is intermediate between the acromiodeltoid and the spinodeltoid. To the right of these three muscles are the triceps brachii and the triceps. The triceps brachii are superior (above) to the triceps. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
  2. With a scalpel, clearly outline the superficial muscles of the upper arm and then take a picture.
  3. Identify the superficial muscles of the forearm. You should be looking at the inner-side of the cat’s forearm. The following superficial muscles should be identified: the brachioradialis, the extensor carpi radialis longus, the extensor digitorum communis, the extensor digitorum lateralis and the extensor carpi ulnaris. Image the cat’s forearm in the anatomical position. The extensor carpi ulnaris would be closest to the midline and the brachioradialis would be farthest lateral (away) from the midline. From left to right is the extensor carpi ulnaris (farthest left), then the extensor digitorum lateralis, then the extensor digitorum communis, then the extensor carpi radialis longus and lastly the brachioradialis (farthest right). Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
  4. With a scalpel, make an incision on each of the striations, which separate these muscles. These incisions will clearly outline the superficial muscles of the forearm. When finished take a picture.
  5. Next, begin to identify the deep muscles of the arm and forearm. The following deep muscles should be identified: the extensor carpi radialis brevis, the flexor carpi radialis, the palmaris longus, the flexor carpi ulnaris, the pronator teres, and the epitrochlearis. The extensor carpi radialis brevis is the deep muscle directly underneath the extensor carpi radialis longus, which is proximal to the brachioradialis (previously identified). The pronator teres is a small muscle intermediate between the extensor carpi radialis brevis (right of pronator teres) and the flexor carpi radialis (left of the pronator teres). The pronator is also superior (above) the epitrochlearis, which is a bigger muscle underneath the triceps (previously identified). The palmaris longus is intermediate between the flexor carpi radialis (right of palmaris longus) and the flexor carpi ulnaris (left of palmaris longus). These three muscles are all superior (above) the epitrochlearis. Review the Anatomy booklet for further direction on the location of these superficial muscles.
  6. With a scalpel, carefully make incisions (or cut off superficial muscle if needed) to identify the deep arm and forearm muscles described above. Take a picture.
  7. Locate and identify the biceps brachii, which is intermediate between the clavobrachialis and the pectoantebrachialis. The clavobrachialis being superior (above) the biceps brachii and the pectoantebrachialis being inferior (below) the biceps brachii. Take a picture of this muscle.
  8. Be aware of how the superficial chest muscles meet the superficial and deep arm and forearm muscles. Observe where these muscles meet then take a picture.
Materials: scalpel
Data and Observations:
All of Semara’s superficial and deep arm and forearm muscles were in great condition and in the correct place. The superficial arm muscles were able to be clearly identified as well as the deep arm muscles. The striations on Semara’s forearm helped to identify the superficial muscles. Semara’s superficial muscles were fairly thin as well as Semara’s deep forearm muscles. Semara’s superficial and deep muscles on her upper arm were definitely thicker and healthier. Pictures of the data collected are shown below.




Human Corresponding Arm and Forearm Muscles
(also shows part of the human shoulder muscles)



Conclusion:
Identifying the outlining Semara’s superficial muscles on her upper arm was quite easy. Doing the same for her superficial forearm muscles was easy as well. Identify Semara’s deep arm muscles was also easy but, identify her deep forearm muscles was more difficult because they were very small, thin muscles located directly underneath the superficial forearm muscles, which were also small and thin. I did enjoy observing how the superficial muscles of the chest connect to the muscles of the arm and forearm. Having the opportunity to observe all the muscle connecting to each other really gave me a better understanding of the anatomy. Also, Labeling my pictures and diagrams helped me understand where the muscles of the arm and forearm are located and which muscles they are connected too. I definitely enjoyed working on the arm and forearm muscles a lot better than the back and shoulder.