Sheep Eye Dissection
Purpose: To better understand the structure of the mammalian eye
Materials
Sheep Eye
Needle-end Probe
Dissecting Pan
Forceps
Scissors
Paper Towel
Scalpel
Procedure
1. Rinse the preservative fluid off of the eye with running water and dye the
eye with the paper towel
2. Locate the Optical Nerve and the Cornea. Make a scientific drawing of the
eye
3. Use the scissors to cut away any excess muscle or fatty tissue. Also cut away
the eyelids if present
4. Using the needle-end probe, puncture the outer layer of the eyeball halfway
between the cornea and the optical nerve. Fluid should ooze out
5. Insert the tip of the scissors into the puncture and make shallow cuts around
the eyeball, essentially cutting it in half
6. Separate the two hemispheres of the eye. Make a scientific drawing of the
interior of the two hemispheres of the eye
7. Use the forceps to peel the retina off of the posterior of the eye
8. Use the forceps to remove the vitreous humour from the anterior hemisphere
of the eye, making sure not to disturb the lens
9. Remove the lens from its attachments
10.Find the location of the pupil and note the shape. Make another scientific
drawing of the interior of the anterior hemisphere
11.Remove the cornea in order to get a different view of the iris and pupil
Questions
1. Why were the cornea and lens dark?
2. What prevented the retina from coming off easily?
3. What liquid oozed out of the eye during the puncturing and/or cutting?