Understanding Anatomy: Honors Biology at St. Agnes

At St. Agnes, honors biology students complete a cat dissection at the end of the year, tying everything they have learned throughout the year into one assignment. This year, instructed by biology teacher Deborah Crank, we learned about the systems and the anatomy of the cat. Mrs. Crank, who has worked at St. Agnes for 34 years, says her favorite thing about the dissection is, “Seeing students really get into the anatomy and linking it to what we covered in class.” She recalls that she has had many students go into science and medicine, and many have said the cat dissection helped them in their decision-making. 

She says, “For many doctors, nurses and other health professionals, the cat is the first large dissection they do. I want to give my future health professionals a boost by giving them that same experience.” 

Mrs. Crank, who naturally loves animals, chose a cat because many cats are already euthanized in the United States. She says, “Through dissection, the cat’s life takes on extra meaning as it is used to educate our future doctors and nurses. I hope the dissection gives them insight into their own and their pet’s lives!” 

This year, I was able to take Honors Biology with Mrs. Crank at St. Agnes. I love biology, and I found the cat dissection very interesting. It was amazing to see and the process made me realize how amazing our human body is. I am especially grateful to Mrs. Crank for answering my questions and making this cat dissection one of the most interesting things I have ever done!