Skeletal System Lab
Purpose/Method: The skeleton is the main support structure of the body. In this lab, we
will observe how bones can be so supportive by observing the structures of chicken legs.
Materials:
dissecting tools,
Vocabulary: articulating cartilage
spongy bone
epiphysis
red marrow
periosteum
fresh/ raw chicken legs
compact bone
diaphysis
medullary cavity
yellow marrow
Procedure:
The following steps will be very helpful practice for your next dissection!!
1.) Begin by making an incision in the skin of the chicken leg. Remove the skin.
Observe any fat attached in the subcutaneous membrane. Discard the skin.
2.) Next, isolate each of the muscles. Do not remove them until you have traced
and found where each individual muscle is attached to the bone. The fibrous tissues
attaching the muscle to the bone are called tendons. Describe the texture of the tendons.
Then, carefully cut the tendons and remove the muscles from the bone.
3.) Once your bone has been cleared, observe its external structure. Describe the
structure as well as the texture.
4.) Make a longitudinal incision to divide the bone. Describe the internal
structure and texture.
5.) Make a data table to include all of the vocabulary terms and a space for my
signature. Identify each of the structures in your vocabulary list and raise your hand for a
signature. Draw a diagram of your dissected bone and label all the structures you have
observed.
6.) Observe a prepared slide of ground bone and sketch under high power. Be
sure to include labels of all the structures you can identify.
9.) If there is a joint in your chicken leg, you should be able to find ligaments.
Remove a section of a ligament and observe.
10.) Make a data table to record signatures as you identify bones on the models
and skulls. The bones you will be responsible for have been pointed out in class. On
some of the assigned pages, the bones are repeats, but you do not need to duplicate them
in your data table.
Conclusion: Describe how the microscopic and macroscopic structures of bone allow it
to perform all of the functions that it has. Use your vocabulary, but make your sentences
meaningful.