2. Internal Frog Anatomy
- Using dissecting scissors, make a midline incision along the abdominal wall from the forelimbs to the hindlimbs, being careful not to cut too deep to avoid damaging internal organs.
- Gently lift and pin back the flaps of the body wall to expose the internal organs.
- Observe and Identify Organs:
- Digestive System: Discover and identify the digestive organs, including the liver - a large, reddish-brown organ. Adjacent to the liver lies the stomach, a thin-walled structure. Further along is the small intestine, thin and intricately coiled. Lastly, there is the large intestine, thicker and shorter compared to its counterpart.
- Respiratory System: Observe the lungs, which are spongy structures located on either side of the body cavity.
- Circulatory System: The heart may be visible beneath the lungs. Note the three-chambered heart in frogs.
- Reproductive System: Depending on the frog's sex, you may see either testes or ovaries.
- Urinary System: Locate the kidneys, which are elongated, bean-shaped structures.
- Nervous System: The brain may be visible in the cranial cavity, located in the head region.
- If your dissection requires you to remove specific organs for closer examination, do so gently using dissecting forceps or scissors.
- After completing your observations or any required measurements, carefully close the body flaps back over the organs. Dispose of the frog appropriately as per your laboratory's guidelines.
- Clean and disinfect your dissecting tools thoroughly before putting them away.
Dissecting a frog can be both fascinating and educational for individuals of all ages. It gives us an opportunity to explore something unique and learn more about our world. When dissecting, from the external anatomy of the frog to the internal structure, it is important to take your time, be patient, and carefully complete each step thoroughly. Additionally, understanding the structure of a frog helps us gain insight into anatomy in general and appreciate all that makes up our amazing world.
Why is a frog used in dissection?
Frogs are often used in dissection because they are a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-obtain animal, simple anatomy, their organs are similar to those of humans, and they are cold-blooded, which means that their body temperature does not change much. This makes it easier to preserve their tissues and organs for study.
