Shell-Shocked
Channel: Monica Ketchum
Date: 2017-12-05

Shunting in the turtle heart is an example of function following form. “Shell-Shocked” is a video that compared human and turtle heart structure and function with a humorous approach that allows information to be gained by a viewer. This topic was explored because the turtle heart shunting mechanism allows it to stay underwater for extended periods of time. Viewers explored how a turtle heart has three chambers, compared to the human heart which has four. Deoxygenated and oxygenated blood enter the right and left atrium, respectively, in the human and turtle heart. Blood flow diverges due to form differences between the two hearts once in the ventricle. Following blood flow within the turtle heart helps to understand the process of the right-to-left cardiac shunt of a turtle. This is the process in which blood is not passed to the lungs, but instead is diverted to the body enabling turtles to survive situations or environments in which oxygen is restricted. Specific turtle heart structures that were discussed in regard to how they differ from the human hearts structures include; cavum venosum, right and left atrioventricular ostia, cavum pulmonale, and cavum arteriosum. Preliminary data suggested viewers were able to describe the human hearts blood flow (80%, n =5) after viewing “Shell-Shocked” when compared to their prior knowledge (42%, n=12). The overall learning objective of this video was to explain heart function following form in a creative way that was both interesting to watch and educational.