Frog Dissection Project- Anatomy/Physiology 2H
Introduction
In this laboratory exercise, the anatomy of the bullfrog will be examined in some detail. The bullfrog is
large enough to find and relate to more structures than other species of frog. The lab packet and
diagrams available to you are supplemental. You are expected to follow the directions in this lab. You
will be held responsible for being able to locate all of the structures required in this packet. You are
expected to have exhausted all possibilities in attempting to locate structures before asking for
assistance. If after effort, you cannot find a structure, ask for assistance. Compare your specimen to
others, as there can be differences among individual specimens. Make sure to look at a specimen of the
opposite sex of yours. In addition to the external anatomy of the frog, we will emphasize these systems:
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Digestive/Excretory
Urogenital (Urinary and Reproductive)
Circulatory
Nervous
Respiratory
The specimen you will receive is a preserved double-injected specimen. Double injected refers to the
arteries being filled with a red latex, and the veins being filled with blue latex. You will notice various
incisions on the external surface of the frog where the latex was injected.
Continuous guiding questions throughout the lab experience should be:
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What is the structure?
Where is it located? (Body cavity, using directional terminology in reference to other
organs/systems)
What organ system the structure belongs to
How is it connected with other structures within the same system?
What is the structure’s general function?
Dissection
Dissecting tools will be used to open the body cavity of the frog and observe the structures. Dissection
means to “to expose to view”, therefore, careful dissecting techniques will be needed to observe all
structures without damage. You will be using scissors instead of a scalpel for leverage during cutting to
prevent damaging deeper organs. Before cutting, always use forceps to pull structures upward, so that
you may observe what is underneath it and avoid damage. Only cut what is necessary to observe a
structure and/or remove it.
Grading
Your grade will be assessed according to the following criteria:
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Class Participation via Rubric (Individual)
Dissection technique/respect for the specimen via Rubric (Individual)
Lab Practical Exam via Test Document and Observation (Individual)
Group Lab Report (Group)
Sterile safety techniques during clean up and disposal via Observation (Individual)
Rubric for Participation/Sterile Technique/Cleanup and Disposal:
0 points
3 points
5 points
Student did not stay on task (wrote
notes, did other class homework,
disrupted other groups, etc.) Lab
partners did most of the work and
clean up. Engaged in horseplay and
disrespect of the specimen.
Student was engaged in the
laboratory most of the time.
Failed to assist in clean-up of
area, stopped working too early,
or mild horseplay/time wasting
observed.
Student was engaged in
laboratory, did fair share of the
work, and stayed on task. Work
ethic and performance
represents college-level
expectations.
Rubric for Dissection Technique/respect for the specimen:
0
3
5
Student shows no respect and
uses inappropriate dissection
techniques.
Student shows respect and
performs appropriate dissection
techniques most of the time.
Student shows respect and uses
appropriate dissection techniques
all of the time.
Group Lab Report: Completion and Accuracy of the Student Guide throughout the dissection process.
Lab Practical Exam: 20 point exam of the functions of the digestive, excretory, urogenital and
reproductive systems.
The formal group lab report for the group will be turned in as a packet in this
assembly:
1. Individual Rubric Participation
2. Individual Rubric Dissection Technique
3. Group Lab Report
 External Anatomy Checklist – (13 pts)
 Frog Mouth Labeling – (7 pts)
 External Anatomy Table – (6 pts)
 Internal Anatomy Checklist – Digestion (6 pts)
 Digestive System Table - (6 pts)
 Internal Anatomy Checklist – Respiratory (3 pts)
 Respiratory System Table (3 pts)
 Internal Anatomy Checklist – Circulatory (3 pts)
 Circulatory System Table (3 pts)
 Internal Anatomy Checklist – Urogenital (5pts)
 Urogenital Systems Table (5 pts)
 Internal Anatomy Checklist – Nervous (5 pts)
 Nervous System Table (5 pts)
Total Points Possible (per Individual):
 Individual Participation: 5 points
 Individual Dissection Technique: 5 points
 Group Lab Report: 70 points
 Lab Practical Exam: 20 points
Total Possible Points = 100 points