Online Simulation:
Pig
http://carolinascienceonline.com/index.php/resources/fetal_pig_anatomy_interactive_science_activity.html#.VIHRyVdZq5J
Frog
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs/BL_16/BL_16.html
Fetal Pig and Frog Dissection:
Purpose: At the end of this lab, students will be able to demonstrate and explain how organ systems work together.
Materials: Dissecting Kit, Frog or pig, Lab, Gloves, Apron
Safety: Do not touch anything until I ask you to do so! Handle sharp objects carefully. Keep all frog parts in your dish. Wear gloves
at all times, and wash your hands carefully when you are finished. Dispose of frog in the acceptable container after you finish
dissecting!
Lab: You will use the manual provided, and write your answers and draw your pictures on this sheet to be turned in. Be thorough and
precise, making sure to carefully observe all required parts.
1st Animal ______________________________________________________________
Part A. Nervous System (Sense Organs) [5 drawings]
 Locate these parts of the frog or pig:
1. Eyes
2. Nose holes
3. Ears
4. Mouth
5. Tongue
Part B. Integumentary (SKIN) System
 Examine the skin, notice the color variations in the skin.
Part C. Muscular and Skeletal Systems
 Place the frog on its back and pin down its arms and its legs.
 Make a cut into one of the frog’s legs. Peel back the skin gently to observe the muscles.
 Cut deeper into the leg and peel back the muscle to observe the bone.
Part D. Digestive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Urinary and Reproductive Systems
 Take the scissors and cut a line from the anus to right above the arms. Be careful not to cut too deep!
 Cut a line across from one frog arm to another.
 Cut a line across from one frog leg to another.
 Pin down the flaps of skin and muscle you cut through.
 Locate these parts of the frog. You may remove individual organs and pin them to your tray.
1. Liver: It is a lobed organ that is usually dark brown in color
2. Stomach: It is a large, pinkish colored organ that looks similar to a tube
3. Small Intestine
4. Large Intestine
5. Heart: How many chambers is your heart? _______________________
6. Lungs: Dark red in color and located in the upper chest cavity
7. Kidneys: Reddish brown in color, found on either side of the backbone
8. Testes/Ovaries (depending on whether it is male or female.)
 Cut the stomach and the intestines open. Compare the insides.
Part F. Clean Up:
 Clean up your pig! Put all pig parts inside the thick black plastic bag.
 Wash out your dissecting tray and clean off all dissecting equipment before putting back in the case.
 Return your plastic bag with frog parts to the teacher.
 Answer the conclusion questions.
If you have time left over, you may explore other parts of the pig’s anatomy. Ask Ms. Putnam for suggestions, or
simply explore and find answers to your questions!
Conclusion Questions: [To be completed AFTER performing the dissection] Answer the following questions based on your
observations of the frog anatomy and lecture material from class notes.
1. What was this biggest organ? Were you surprised this was the biggest organ?
2.
What are 2 reasons that the lungs of the frog are so much smaller than the lungs of the pig? Why is it helpful for frogs to
have lungs? What other part of the body do frogs use to breathe?
3.
What would happen to a frog if their skin dried out?
4.
What differences are there in the heart of the pig and frog? Why do you think they are so different?
5.
How do the respiratory and circulatory systems work together inside the frog & pig?
6.
What do the kidneys do inside the frog & pig?
7.
How could you tell if your frog or pig was male or female?
8.
What characteristics in the frog can be used to classify it as an amphibian? What characteristics in the pig can be used to
classify it as a mammal?
9.
How do the different body systems in the frog or pig work together? Explain in 3-5 sentences.
10. When you were dissecting, what were some interesting things you discovered?
11. How are the reproductive systems different in frogs and pigs?