JUNIO, MA. YVANKA KEIZI Y.
11 STEM D
Frog Dissection: A Lab Report
Abstract:
This lab report presents the findings from a frog dissection, focusing on the
examination of the heart, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and lungs/air
sacs. Through a detailed analysis of these organs, we aimed to gain insights into the
anatomy and function of these essential systems in frogs. The dissection process
involved careful observation, identification, and documentation of the structures,
followed by a discussion of their physiological significance.
Keywords: Frog, Dissection, Anatomy, Organs, Physiology
Introduction:
Frog dissection is a widely used educational tool that allows students to explore the
anatomical structures and physiological adaptations of these amphibians. By
dissecting organ systems, such as the heart, stomach, small intestine, large
intestine, liver, and lungs/air sacs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the frog's
internal organization and how these systems contribute to its overall biology.
Methods:
1. A preserved frog specimen was obtained and placed on a dissecting tray.
2. An incision was made along the midline of the ventral surface of the frog, from
the chin to the cloaca, using dissecting scissors.
3. The flaps of skin were carefully lifted and pinned back to expose the
underlying structures.
4. The heart, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and lungs/air sacs
were identified and examined in detail.
5. Observations and relevant data were recorded, including the structure,
location, and any notable features of each organ system.
6. Photographs were taken throughout the dissection process to document the
findings.
Results:
Heart:
● The frog's heart was in the thoracic cavity, just posterior to the sternum.
● It had three chambers: two atria and a single ventricle.
● The ventricle was more muscular and had thick walls compared to the atria.
Stomach:
● The stomach was a muscular organ located in the upper abdominal region.
● It had a J-shaped structure.
● The inner lining of the stomach exhibited folds called gastric rugae, which aid
in digestion.
Small Intestine:
● The small intestine was a long, coiled tube extending from the stomach.
JUNIO, MA. YVANKA KEIZI Y.
11 STEM D
● It consisted of three sections: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
● The inner surface of the small intestine had numerous finger-like projections
called villi, which increased the surface area for nutrient absorption.
Large Intestine:
● The large intestine followed the small intestine and was shorter in length.
● It consisted of the colon and rectum.
● The colon had a wider diameter compared to the small intestine.
Liver:
● The liver was a large, dark-colored organ located in the upper abdominal
cavity.
● It had a lobed structure and played a vital role in various metabolic processes.
● Blood vessels, including the hepatic portal vein and hepatic artery, were
observed entering and exiting the liver.
Lungs/Air Sacs:
● The lungs were paired organs located in the chest cavity.
● They were spongy and reddish in color.
● Air sacs, connected to the lungs, were present and served as additional
respiratory structures.
JUNIO, MA. YVANKA KEIZI Y.
11 STEM D
Discussion:
The examination of the heart revealed a three-chambered structure, which is
characteristic of amphibians. This adaptation allows for effective separation of
oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The stomach's J-shaped structure and gastric
rugae indicate adaptations for digestion and nutrient absorption. The long and coiled
small intestine, along with its villi, increase the surface area for efficient nutrient
absorption. The large intestine's role in water absorption and waste elimination was
evident from its structure and location. The liver, with its lobed structure and
associated blood vessels, plays a crucial role in metabolism and detoxification. The
spongy lungs and air sacs demonstrated adaptations for efficient respiration in a
semi-aquatic environment.
Conclusion:
The dissection of the heart, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and
lungs/air sacs in the frog provided valuable insights into the anatomy and function of
these organ systems. By closely examining these structures, we gained a deeper
understanding of their adaptations and contributions to the overall biology of frogs.
These findings contribute to our knowledge of comparative anatomy and provide a
basis for understanding similar organ systems in other vertebrates, including
humans.
Questions:
1. What are some similarities and differences between frog muscles and the
human muscles?
Similarities:
● Both frog and human muscles are composed of muscle tissue, which
consists of muscle fibers.
● Both frogs and humans have skeletal muscles that are responsible for
voluntary movements.
● Both frog and human muscles can contract and generate force.
Differences:
● Frog muscles have a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers
compared to humans. This allows frogs to generate quick and powerful
movements, suited for their jumping and swimming abilities.
● Humans have more developed and complex muscles, particularly in
the limbs, enabling a wide range of precise movements.
● Frog muscles have specialized adaptations for jumping, such as larger
leg muscles and a more elastic tendon system, allowing for efficient
energy storage and release during leaps.
JUNIO, MA. YVANKA KEIZI Y.
11 STEM D
2. Are there any similarities and differences between the internal organs of the
frog and the human organs? What are these? (Note: obtain a replica of the
human torso from the laboratory stockroom)
Similarities:
● Both frogs and humans possess organs such as the heart, liver,
stomach, and intestines.
● Both have a digestive system responsible for breaking down and
absorbing nutrients from food.
● Both have a circulatory system that transports oxygen, nutrients, and
waste products throughout the body.
● Both have respiratory systems that allow for gas exchange, although
the specific structures may differ.
Differences:
● Frog hearts have three chambers (two atria and a ventricle), while
human hearts have four chambers (two atria and two ventricles). This
difference allows for more efficient separation of oxygenated and
deoxygenated blood in humans.
● Frog lungs are simpler compared to the complex structure of human
lungs. Frogs also have air sacs that aid in respiration, which humans
lack.
● The digestive systems of frogs and humans differ in terms of length
and specialization. Human intestines, for example, are longer and more
intricately coiled than those of frogs.
● The liver structure and function are similar in both frogs and humans,
but there may be variations in size and lobation.
