On Friday, Year 6 were given the opportunity to take part in a heart dissection (lamb's heart). The purpose of this was to allow the children to encounter the heart and it's anatomical features, allowing greater perspective to be gained. After considerable discussion around health and safety protocol, the children were split into smaller groups. They applied the appropriate safety equipment, prepared the area and commenced the dissections. The children investigated the chambers, valves and vessels which transport oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood around the body. They pierced the atrium and ventricle, cutting to the apex of the heart. It was also interesting to note the relative thicknesses of the walls, with the left side being a lot thicker than the right. This is due to the fact that the left ventricle has to pump blood around the rest of the body, whereas the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs so gaseous exchange can take place.
