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FROG DISSECTION
A Formal Laboratory Paper
DA VINCI

Mary Nicole Michico O. Andino Casey A. Macatangay

Adelyz Anne S. Cudiamat Herielle Anniery M. Venzon

Jayden Chrysander B. Ilagan Zhyro Zeliq A. Vecinal

Submitted to: Karmi Dianne Baon

Group Number: 4 Date of Frog Dissection: April 25, 2024

Frog Dissection Lab Report

INTRODUCTION

Lithobates catesbeianus, commonly referred to as the North American bullfrog, is a

fascinating amphibian species. As with other amphibians, the bullfrog's moist skin enables them
to efficiently exchange gases, while their ectothermic nature means external sources regulate
their body temperature. Bullfrogs undergo metamorphosis, transitioning from aquatic to
terrestrial environments. Their reproductive lifecycle involves laying eggs in water, where
tadpoles mature before transforming into adult frogs.

The Northern American bullfrog is commonly spotted in North American freshwater

environments, including ponds, lakes, and marshes. As carnivorous creatures, they primarily feed
on insects, small fish, and occasionally other amphibians. Their role in controlling insect
populations and maintaining ecological balance is vital. However, if introduced to non-native
habitats, they can disrupt the natural ecosystem. With a lifespan of 7 to 10 years in the wild,
bullfrogs are relatively long-lived among amphibians.

Frog dissection is an effective method of teaching biology. It allows students to

explore the anatomy and physiology of a vertebrate organism and compare it with human
anatomy. They also gain insights into the digestive system of both mammals and amphibians. By
examining organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, and glands, students can
develop a more comprehensive understanding of digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste
elimination, which are vital to human physiology. This can reinforce concepts related to the
human digestive system, enhance the learning experience, and encourage a deeper appreciation
for biology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this investigation of frog dissection, we conducted it with the standardized

protocol that was given to us. The specimen was then pithed and pinned to the dissecting tray to
ensure unnecessary movement. Then the frog was carefully dissected by our group under sterile
conditions to minimize any contaminations. Prior to the dissection, the internal anatomy of the
frog was examined to identify its features such as the digestive system of the frog. To do this, we
made a midline incision along the undersurface of the frog using surgical scissors, allowing
access to the internal organs. The digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, and
liver, was examined for structural organization and function. To further examine these we took it
out of the frog’s body using tools like a dissecting spatula and the forceps. The respiratory
system, comprising the lungs and associated structures, was carefully observed too. Overall, we
made sure to pay close attention to every detail and stick to ethical rules to ensure the frog
dissection experiment was done right and could be replicated accurately.

RESULTS

https://www.nursinghero.com/study-guides/ap2/
overview-of-the-digestive-system

https://www.onlinebiologynotes.com/
digestive-system-of-frog-anatomy-and-
physiology-of-digestion/
 Functions of Components in the Frog Digestive System Relevant to Digestion

Parts of the Frog Digestive System Function in the Frog Relative to Digestion
The muscular structure linked to the front of the
Tongue mouth and extended to catch food.

The sharp teeth in the maxilla of a frogs mouth that

Maxillary Teeth function in holding captured prey.

Small projection in the top of a frogs mouth that

Vomerine Teeth function in holding and captured prey.

Tube that connects the mouth and the stomach in a

Esophagus frog.

Stores food and mixes it with enzymes to begin

Stomach digestion.

The liver, the body's largest gland in a frog,

Liver performs several functions. It secretes bile to
emulsify fats, removes toxic from the body, stores
vitamins, and produces blood-clotting proteins.
The liver produces bile, which is stored and
Gallbladder concentrated in the gallbladder. The gallbladder
releases bile into the small intestine to aid in the
digestion and absorption of fats.
Gland which secretes digestive enzymes into the
Pancreas duodenum.

The primary organ involved in food digestion and

Small Intestine absorption.

Posterior organ of the digestive system which stores

Large Intestine undigestive food.

The organ that frog waste passes through after

Cloaca passing through the digestive and urogenital
systems.
The mesentery usually refers to the small intestinal
Blood Vessels in Mesentery Near Small portion of the mesentery which in the frog, secures
Intestine the small intestine to the back of the body wall.

This opening serves as a multipurpose channel

Anus enabling the discharge of waste, eggs, and sperm,
similar to the function of anus, urethra, and genital
openings.
DISCUSSION

Taking part in the frog dissection on April 25, 2024, was both exciting and nerve-
wracking as our group gathered in the lab. Working together, we carefully dissected the frog,
helping each other remove its organs systematically. During the dissection, we noticed some
interesting details, especially in the mouth and abdomen. We were intrigued by the different
types of teeth in the frog's mouth, like the sharp maxillary teeth for catching prey and the small
vomerine teeth for securing it. Also, we observed the tongue's muscular structure, which seemed
well-suited for capturing and manipulating food. As we moved to the abdomen, we encountered
various unfamiliar organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, each playing a unique role in
digestion. Removing these organs proficiently surprised us, considering our lack of experience.
Reflecting on the dissection, we see it as a valuable learning opportunity. It deepened our
understanding of frog anatomy and its relevance to our studies. Understanding how each organ
functions highlighted the connections of biological systems. Additionally, the dissection sparked
discussions about adaptations and the relationship between structure and function, enhancing our
understanding beyond the classroom. Overall, for us in our group, it was an enjoyable experience
that will surely contribute to our current learning in the field of Science.

The way frogs and humans process food is similar in that their digestive systems
both break down nutrients for absorption. They share key organs, such as the stomach, small
intestine, and liver, involved in this process. However, while humans use their teeth to grind
food, frogs lack teeth and instead rely on their tongues to capture prey. Additionally, frogs have a
simpler digestive system, with a single-chambered stomach and shorter intestines, which reflects
their carnivorous diet and less complex nutritional needs. In contrast, humans have a more
intricate digestive system that is designed to process a broader range of foods, including plant-
based ones. These similarities and differences in structure and function are due to the
evolutionary adaptations of each species to their respective ecological niches.

 Is the skin of the frog thick or thin? What tissue is found underneath the skin?

- According to the experiment we conducted, our frog has thick skin, and the tissue
beneath the skin is soft tissue that resembles a layer of muscle and a visible mesentery
layer.
 Does mechanical digestion occur in the frog mouth? Explain.

- Yes, mechanical digestion does occur in the frog's mouth; using their teeth, they can
break down food or prey into smaller pieces.

 What sex was your frog? How did you determine this?

- Our frog's sex is male. It is identified by observing the size differences, with females
often being larger and males often being smaller.

 Describe the mesentery that holds the intestines.

- Through our dissection, it can be explained that the mesentery is thin and translucent
and connects and supports the intestines.

 Describe the contents found in the frog's stomach and the texture of the stomach
walls.

- What we saw in the stomach of the frog is the small and large intestine, liver, and
kidney, and the texture of the stomach walls is elastic.

 Frogs are insect eaters. How is the frog's tongue designed for the type of food it
eats?

- The tongue of a frog is typically long and flexible, with an exceptionally sticky surface.
This sticky property helps the tongue to successfully grab insects and other tiny animals.

 Compare the frog's small intestine to the large intestine in terms of length and
diameter.

- In general, a frog's small intestine is shorter and thinner than its big intestine. However,
the length of the small intestine of a frog is approximately twice the length of the entire
body. The big intestine, on the other hand, is broader and shorter.

 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?
 - The small intestine of a frog, like that of other vertebrates, has structures called villi and
microvilli. These structures are essential for the efficient absorption of digested food into
the bloodstream.

 Near what organ was the gall bladder located? Why is it found near that organ?

- The gallbladder is located near the liver. The gallbladder is found near the liver because
of their functional relationship.

 The pancreas makes several enzymes needed for digestion. How do these enzymes
reach the frog's small intestine?

- In the case of a frog, the enzymes produced by the pancreas reach the small intestine
through a duct system.

 Which organ has the greatest role in digestion? Why did you select this organ?

- The organ that has the greatest role in digestion is the small intestine. It has many
reasons such as the small intestine is the central and longest part of the digestive tract,
situated between the stomach and the large intestine. It is the primary site where the
majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.

 Why might the pancreas be considered to be the second most important organ
involved in digestion and not the stomach?

- The pancreas is considered the second most important organ involved in digestion
because it produces enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and
hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.

 What is the purpose of the muscles that line the esophagus?

- The purpose of the muscles that line the esophagus is to propel food from the throat to
the stomach.

REFERENCE/s

 https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lithobates_catesbeianus/
 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/facts/american-bullfrog
 https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/frog-anatomy/274440#: