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Special specimen: what holds a pig up?

What holds a pig up?  The internal skeletal system in the Kingdom Animalia, sub-Phylum Vertebrata, which includes mammals (pigs), fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds has many functions.

Cervical vertebra. Includes 7 cervical vertebra (atlas, 2-7), 4 thoracic vertebra and the first 4 sternal ribs. There are always 7 cervical vertebra in pigs (and humans). In Figure 1 you can see the spinal cord and vertebral disks too!

Porcine cervical vertebra
Figure 1. Cervical vertebra. Articular and transverse processes on the lateral side of this specimen (hidden) minimise excessive bending of the neck, protecting the spinal cord.

Thoracic vertebra. The specimen shown in Figure 2 includes 9 thoracic vertebra, ribs, vertebral disks and spinal cord. The number of thoracic vertebra varies between pig breeds from 13-17. Where do the ribs attach to the vertebra? Find out this one time only, $6.00.

Figure 2. Thoracic vertebra with elongated dorsal spines.
Figure 2. Thoracic vertebra with elongated dorsal spines.

Figure 3 shows the shoulder joint. It includes the scapula, humerus and fused radius and ulna. One only in stock at the moment, $6.50. If you need more than one Miss Vivi can order these for you.

Porcine Shoulder joint
Figure 3. Shoulder joint with humerus and fuses radius/ulna.

Loin chop (Figure 4). NOT FOR SALE – it’s for Mr Vivi’s dinner. But you can see the elongated transverse process on the lumbar vertebra (the bone pointing to 8 o’clock) that supports the strong muscle (yummy meaty bit) that in turn supports the viscera in the abdominal cavity.

Figure 4. Loin chop showing elongated transverse process. The muscle above the process is the loin, the smaller muscle below the process is the tenderloin. muscle
Figure 4. Loin chop showing elongated transverse process. The muscle above the process is the loin, the smaller muscle below the process is the tenderloin muscle.

Pig tail (Figure 5). Tail bones are called caudal bones. The number of caudal bones varies between species of pig between 20 and 23. How many does this one have? Find out for $5.00

Figure 5. Pig tail.
Figure 5. Pig tail.

See how all the bits fit together on this model  in Figure 6. http://www.fallingpixel.com/pig-skeleton-3d-model/39932

Figure 6. Porcine pig skeleton model.
Figure 6. Porcine pig skeleton model.

If you have the need for bone specimens for a class in science or physical education, get in contact with Miss Vivi as she can source a wide range of specimens as a special order.

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Mr Vivi’s Aus Ag Career

Web-portrait-Jaimie

Job Title
Company Director, Researcher and heavy lifter

How did you get involved with agriculture?
I did a degree in natural resources management and did lots of work experience in an agricultural setting.
My first permanent job out of university thrust me into sheep/grazing interactions in the Western District of NSW

Read more…Career Profile on Mr Vivi on the Careers in Australian Agriculture website – November 2012