Gaining a Greater Understanding of Human Anatomy

The day was split in half, allowing all students to experience both labs. In the exercise science lab, students took part in two fitness tests: the VO2 max and the Wingate, testing aerobic and anaerobic respiration, respectively. Master’s students at the university gave an overview of cellular respiration pathways to help Greenwood students understand the tests and the meaning of their results.

Following the exercise science lab, students visited the cadaver lab, where they were able to apply their knowledge from the classroom to real life, starting with bones. Students were able to identify the anatomy of long bones as well as bony landmarks, giving them perspective and a deep understanding of class material beyond models and diagrams.

Later, students from the university set up organs of various systems in stations, allowing us to explore the circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Greenwood students had the opportunity to touch the various organs, ask questions and simulate certain mechanisms such as breathing and lung expansion.

I found this experience to be extremely interesting, eye opening, engaging and exciting. Biology and physiology have always been a passion of mine and this experience gave me the opportunity to really apply my knowledge and connect all of the material I’ve learnt in class. Seeing the organs and systems gave me a deeper and richer insight into concepts in a collaborative environment with my peers. Not many people have the privilege of working with real parts of the human body and this experience is incredibly valuable in its contribution to my understanding of human anatomy.

Other students found the trip equally valuable. “I found it really useful because of the drastic difference between models/diagrams and real life. The fact that you could hold the organs amazed me and helped me gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for topics covered in class,” said Gill Sculthorpe (‘17).

Overall, the trip to Guelph’s cadaver lab and exercise science lab was an incredible experience that gave students additional insight into subjects taught in class as well as an opportunity to ask questions and learn from Biomedical Science and Kinesiology students at the university.