of the skull and wiggled, destroying the brain. The specimen remains living due to vital functions continuing without cerebral control, allowing it to be dissected while observing such living physiology as its beating heart and expansion and contraction of its lungs without causing further pain. See also References External links merriam-webster definition thefreedictionary.com definition PDF Humane Dispatch and Disposal of Infant Calves from Humane Slaughter Association A video demonstrating the use of a disposable pithing rod on a pig Animal welfare Meat industry