Frog Dissection Lab
Why dissect a frog?
Frogs and humans are vertebrates with similar organ systems. Although all of the internal
organs are not the same in frogs and humans, it is helpful to learn about anatomy through
dissection. We will be looking at each body system, and exploring individual organs of the frog.
We will make comparisons of the frogs’ anatomy to our own.
The companies that provide the frogs make sure that the frogs are not an endangered
species. The supply companies also use safe solutions to preserve the specimens. We still need
to use gloves and wash our hands while working with preserved specimens.
In order to best use this opportunity to learn and show respect for the frog, we must follow
all directions that are given to us and follow all safety procedures.
Dissection Safety Rules
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible and safe manner at all times during the dissection.
2. Wear safety glasses while you are dissecting even if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
Contact lenses can hold chemicals in the eye(s) increasing the potential damage inthe
event of an accidental splashing of chemicals into the eye(s).
3. The frog has been preserved with a safe chemical; however, if you need to take a break
or the odor is beginning to bother you, notify the teacher.
4. Wear gloves and avoid contact with preservative chemicals.
5. Use the proper procedures described in the tutorial to pin the frog to the dissecting pan.
Do not dissect the frog while holding it.
6. Always keep dissection tools in the dissection pan, when working and when moving the
pan.
7. Always cut away from your body and away from others.
8. Never remove frogs or frog parts from the classroom. Properly dispose of dissected
materials.
9. If continuing dissection, store the frog in the labeled Ziploc bag at the end of each
dissection period.
10. Clean up the work area and return all equipment to the proper place when the
dissection is completed.
11. Remove nitrile gloves and throw away in waste container.
12. Carefully wash your hands for a minimum of 15 seconds before returning to your seat.
Dissecting Equipment
●Dissection tray - Used to contain specimen and tools.
●Dissection pins - Used to pin down skin and muscles, which allows for an unobstructed
view of internal anatomy.
