High School Students Gain Hands-On Experience at PennWest Cadaver Lab

Fifteen high school students recently attended the Cadaver/Health Science Lab at Penn West University, California.  The goal of the lab is to give students a first-hand insight into how human anatomy is essential to understanding the body’s complexities, especially as they prepare for future careers in healthcare

Using their AP Biology and Anatomy and Physiology knowledge students determined that the male had restricted air flow to his right lung. Because of this, the right lung was significantly smaller, and the left lung began to compensate. The left lung, that is usually two lobed, grew a third lobe to make up for the right lung. They also determined that the female had Parkinson’s disease and they were able to compare a healthy brain to a brain that suffered neurological problems. students were able to identify the differences on the brain stem that indicated Parkinson’s disease.

Thanks to Dr. Jamie Weary and Athletic Training Student, Ben Dansak, for hosting us and allowing our students to get this invaluable hands-on experience! Thank you to Mrs. Spinelli for organizing the trip and Mrs. Mosberger and Mr. Teti for accompanying the students to the lab!