Fetal pig

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Fetal pigs are unborn pigs used in elementary as well as advanced biology classes as objects for dissection. Pigs, as a mammalian species, provide a good specimen for the study of physiological systems and processes.

Fetal pigs are the by-product of the meat packing industry and their large size makes them a good choice for study. They also allow for the study of fetal circulation, which differs considerably from that of an adult.

Dissected fetal pig, showing the thoracic cavity, including the rib cage, the heart in the pericardium, the lungs, the diaphragm, part of the liver, and all those organs under the neck.
Dissected fetal pig, showing the thoracic cavity, including the rib cage, the heart in the pericardium, the lungs, the diaphragm, part of the liver, and all those organs under the neck.

The size of the fetal pig depends on the age it was allowed for the mother to gestate:

Size Time
40 mm 56 days
80 mm 68 days
100 mm 75 days
158 mm 86 days
220 mm 100 days
300 mm 114 days

Sometimes, fetal pigs are preserved in formaldehyde, a carcinogenic substance. They can be ordered for a little over $25 at biological product companies with preservatives that cause less damage to the skin. Nevertheless, gloves and goggles should always be worn when dissecting a fetal pig.