FROG DISSECTION FORMAL LABORATORY PAPER
You will write a formal laboratory report after performing the dissection of a frog. The basic
requirements for writing the paper will be the same as previously (Times New Roman, 12,
margins, etc). However there are modifications to the body of the report. Only the following
sections will be included:
INTRODUCTION:
To include the following background information in a minimum three expanded paragraphs:
1. Scientific name of northern American bullfrog and characteristics of Class Amphibia
(1st paragraph)
2. Description of northern American bullfrog habitat, nutrition, life cycle, longevity,
usefulness of bullfrog in the environment or for humans, other pertinent information
(2nd paragraph)
3. Purpose(s) of performing frog dissection (Should be in 3rd paragraph). You should
have a minimum of three purposes for completing the dissection. Include a rationale
explaining why a frog dissection was completed during the study of the human
digestive system.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This section describes what was done in the investigation. This is stated in full sentences and
in a well developed paragraph. Enough detail is used to allow the reader to replicate the work.
Generally known laboratory procedures do not need to be described.
RESULTS:
To include:
1. Figure of frog digestive system with parts labeled. (May be pencil sketched, obtained
from on-line source, or copied from textbook. Cite your source)
2. Figure of human digestive system with parts labeled. (May be pencil sketched,
obtained from on-line source, or copied from textbook. Cite your source)
3. Embed the following table into your typed paper in the Results section. Provide
accurate information and create a descriptive title for the data table.
Part of Frog Digestive
System
Tongue
Maxillary Teeth
Vomerine Teeth
Esophagus
Stomach
Liver
Gall Bladder
Pancreas
Small Intestine
Large Intestine
Cloaca
Blood Vessels in Mesentery
Near Small Intestine
Anus
Function in the Frog Relative to Digestion
Discussion:
To include:
1. A first expanded paragraph describing the experience you had during the frog
dissection and general observations of the dissection. Include:
a. Description of what you observed when you examined the mouth. Include a
minimum of three observations you made.
b. Description of what you observed when you completed the dissection of the
abdomen. Include a minimum of three observations you made.
c. What surprised or amazed you the most while doing the dissection? For
many of you this was your first time with dissection, what did you think?
d. Was this a valuable learning experience? Give your reasoning for or against.
2. A second expanded paragraph that compares and contrasts the digestive system of
a frog with a human.
a. Identify and explain similarities in structure and function.
b. Identify and explain differences in structure and function.
3. For the last part of your discussion section, type each of the following questions into
the discussion section of your paper and type your answer to each question below
the question in your report.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
Is the skin of the frog thick or thin? What tissue is found underneath the skin?
Does mechanical digestion occur in the frog mouth? Explain.
What sex was your frog? How did you determine this?
Describe the mesentery that holds the intestines.
Describe the contents found in the frog’s stomach and the texture of the
stomach walls.
Frog’s are insect eaters. How is the frog’s tongue designed for the type of
food it eats?
Compare the frog’s small intestine to the large intestine in terms of length and
diameter. (Include the measurement of the small intestine you made during
the dissection)
Digested food is absorbed into the bloodstream while it is in the small
intestine. What structures in the frog’s small intestine help absorb the
nutrients?
Near what organ was the gall bladder located? Why is it found near that
organ?
The pancreas makes several enzymes needed for digestion. How do these
enzymes reach the frog’s small intestine?
Which organ has the greatest role in digestion? Why did you select this
organ?
Why might the pancreas be considered to be the second most important
organ involved in digestion and not the stomach?
What is the purpose of the muscles that line the esophagus?
REFERENCE SECTION: See previous information on writing a lab report.