This is part of the practical requirement of their A level Biology course. They had to follow written procedures and demonstrate they could carry out the practical in a safe manner. They also had to produce a labelled biological drawing of the heart to include in their practical lab books.

They enjoyed identifying the different sides of the heart, the chambers, the atrioventricular valves, various blood vessels such as the aorta and vena cava as well as the coronary arteries. One factor they particularly enjoyed was feeling and comparing the different types of tissue such as the elastic tissue found in the arteries. These arteries gives elastic recoil and makes them able to withstand high pressure, when the heart contracts. This is why dissection is such a valuable experience for our students.