Does it surprise you to read that pigs and humans share certain physiological and anatomical similarities when it comes to certain organs such as skin, the brain and also the heart? While pigs are most certainly not humans, as such, there are many differences between the two. Yet, among all animals, it is the anatomy of the pig that is the closest to that of a human.
Let’s consider some of these similarities:
1. Both are placental mammal, which means that the foetus receives nourishment from the mother through the umbilical cord.
2. Both species are also omnivores. Hence, the whole digestive system and layers under the skin is largely similar to that of a human. Though, a pig’s large intestine is spiral, while a human’s is organised and differentiated.
3. Basically the internal cavity of the pig is very similar to that of a human, it is only smaller. The heart is located at the same place – between the lungs, the liver and the gall bladder look almost like that of humans. But while the adrenal glands are found on top of a human’s kidneys, they are found at the cephalic end of a pig’s.
4. Medical professionals have used pig skin to replace human skin when performing skin grafts, and pig heart valves to replace human heart valves.
5. As far as similarities between the brains of the two species go, the two are comparable in myelination, growth and development. Also, pigs can be taught tricks, and how to play simple video games.
6. The structure and function of the urethra, ovaries, uterine tubes, labia, mesenteries, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, inguinal canal, prostate gland are the same in humans as in pigs.
7. Both have complex systems that allow nutrients and dissolved gases to enter and leave individual cells throughout the body.
Of course, pigs are not humans, but they do share a lot of the structure and function of their internal organs with us. Remember that the next time you bite into a yummy piece of fried pork, or braised bacon!