(a) (i) Name the cavity of the body in which the heart and lungs are located - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 7 - 2010

One key difference is that heart muscle does not tire, allowing it to function continuously throughout a person's life.

1. Identify the front of the heart to ensure proper orientation, usually this is done by locating the largest blood vessels.
2. Use a scalpel or scissors to make a clean cut along the top of the heart. This initial cut should be careful to avoid damaging the structures beneath.
3. Once the top is cut open, carefully pull the two sides apart to reveal the chambers of the heart.
4. Identify the inner structures such as the right atrium, right ventricle, valves, and major blood vessels attached to the heart.
5. If necessary, make additional cuts to better expose areas that are difficult to visualize.
6. Use labelled diagrams to illustrate the chambers and valves, ensuring that each structure is clearly marked.

To expose a semi-lunar valve, I made an incision in the aorta or the pulmonary artery. This allows for a clear view of the valve's structure and its connection to the heart.

In my drawing, I illustrated the heart, highlighting the right atrium, right ventricle, and the tricuspid valve. I ensured that each structure was properly labelled for clarity.