ANATOMICAL DISSECTION: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL STRUCTURE

OF
EASTERN AFRICAN FROG (ANAXYRUS FOWLERI)

Laboratory Report
Malapatan National High School
Poblacion Malapatan, Sarangani
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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

_________________________________________________________

GROUP III

Celozar, Kia Rose H.

January 2025

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title
Page……………………………………………………………………………………i

Table of Content………………………………………………….……...…………...ii

List of Figures………………………………………………………………………..ii

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………iv

I. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………..1

Objectives………………………………….…………………………...……..3

II. METHODOLOGY…………………...…………….…………………………3

Laboratory Equipment………………………………………………………3

III. METHODS…………………………………..…………………………..…10

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION…………………………………………….15

The Frog’s Internal Organ……………………………..…………………..15

The Internal and External Observations of the Specimens……………..20

V. CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………..22

VI. REFERENCES………………………………………………………..…….23

List of Figures

Figure 1: The Specimen………………………………………………………………4

Figure 2: The Materials……………………………………………………………...4

Figure 3: The Materials……………………………………………………………...5

Figure 4: The Materials………………………………………………..…………….5

Figure 5: The Materials……………………………………………………….……..6

Figure 6: The Materials……………………………………………………………...6

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Figure 7: The Materials……………………………………………………………...7

Figure 8: The Materials…………………………………………………………...7

Figure 9: The Materials………………………………………………………...…8

Figure 10: The Materials…………………………………………………………9

Figure 11: The Materials…………………………………………………………10

Figure 12: The Pithing Procedure………………………………………………10

Figure 13: The Preparation……………………………………………………..11

Figure 14: The Dissection……………………………………………………….11

Figure 15: The Dissection……………………………………………………….12

Figure 16: The Dissection……………………………………………………….13

Figure 17: The Frog’s Dissected Body………………….………………………13

Figure 18: The Disposal of the Specimen……………………..………………..14

Figure 19: The Internal Organ………………………………………………….15

Figure 20: The Internal Organ………………………………………………….16

Figure 21: The Internal Organ……………………………….…………………16

Figure 22: The Internal Organ……………………………………….…………17

Figure 23: The Internal Organ…………………………………………….……17

Figure 24: The Internal Organ………………………………………….………18

Figure 25: The Internal Organ…………………………………..……………..19

Figure 26: The Internal Organ……………………………………….…………

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 ABSTRACT

Frog dissection is a fundamental laboratory exercise in biology that provides

students with hands-on experience in studying vertebrate anatomy and physiology. This

dissection allows students to explore both the external and internal structures of the frog,

a common amphibian, and understand its adaptations for life on land. The procedure

begins with the careful examination of the frog's external features, such as limbs, skin

texture, and sensory organs, followed by a systematic dissection of its internal organs.

During the dissection, students identify key anatomical structures, including the heart,

lungs, liver, and digestive system. This practical experience enhances their understanding

of organ functions and their interrelationships within the body.

Additionally, the dissection highlights similarities between frog and human

anatomy, fostering a deeper appreciation for evolutionary biology. The educational value

of frog dissection extends beyond mere observation; it cultivates critical thinking and

observational skills as students engage with biological concepts in a tangible way.

Furthermore, this exercise reinforces ethical considerations in the study of anatomy and

encourages discussions about the relevance of dissections in modern education.

In summary, frog dissection serves as an essential tool for teaching biology and

anatomy. It provides students with valuable insights into vertebrate structure and function

while promoting an understanding of the complexities of living organisms. Through this

hands-on activity, students gain a greater appreciation for biological diversity and the

importance of anatomical studies in understanding life sciences.

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 INTRODUCTION

A frog is any of the short-bodied, tailless amphibians that make up the order

Anura, which is diversified and primarily carnivorous. Frogs have no real necks but big,

sticking-out eyes that help them see almost everywhere without turning their heads. Their

strong back legs let them hop long distances in any direction. According to Nature, PBS

(2021), frogs are social animals and live in groups called armies, colonies, or knots. Like

fish, young frogs swim in schools. Each frog species has its own call to attract mates or

warn predators. During mating season, male frogs croak loudly in groups, and some calls

can be heard up to a mile away. There are more than 6,000 species of frogs around the

world, and scientists are still discovering new ones (American Museum of Natural

History, 2014).

According to Dissection (2025), dissection refers to the process of cutting open a

dead body or plant to examine its structure. Dissections are crucial because they allow us

to directly observe and identify the anatomical structures of real organisms, enhancing

our understanding beyond diagrams and models. According to Saigo (2023) Dissections

are important because they let us see what actual body parts look like. While diagrams

and models help us learn the names and positions of organs, it's also important to practice

finding and identifying real parts of organisms. The practical method of dissection

enables students to observe, touch, and examine different organs. By seeing how these

organs function together in an animal, students can deepen their understanding of

biological systems. When this knowledge is applied to their own bodies, it can lead to a

better grasp of human biology (Ford 2024).

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 However, despite the many differences between the complexities of the human

body and those of other animals, many internal systems work in much the same way.

According to Alonso (2022), frogs, like humans, have similar systems, including the

nervous, circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems. Both are vertebrates, with a spine

and nerves throughout their bodies. They also both have well-developed hearing,

controlled by the nervous system. Frogs are dissected because their internal parts are

visible through the skin, making them ideal for study. Based on Frog (2024), frogs are

commonly used for dissection because their internal organs, eggs, and other parts can be

easily seen through the skin, making them an excellent model for studying various

aspects of physiology in a living organism. Frog dissection helps students learn human

anatomy and basic dissection skills. According to Andres (2005), Frog dissection has

traditionally been included in the biology curriculum to help students gain a deeper

understanding of human internal anatomy and develop fundamental dissection skills.

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Objectives:

The frog, a member of the class Amphibia and specifically a male in this case,

shares a similar basic body structure with humans despite their many differences. Both

frogs and humans belong to the phylum Chordata. By studying the anatomy of the frog,

you can gain a deeper understanding of human body systems.

The objectives of this study are the following:

 Explain terms related to frog anatomy.

 Describe the components of a frog's anatomy.

 Provide a detailed explanation of a frog's organs.

 Describe the similarities between a frog's anatomy and a human.

METHODOLOGY

An interesting way to introduce vertebrate anatomy and mature bodily systems is

through dissection. Examining the anatomy of frogs enables conversations on adaptations

and the relationship between anatomical structures and their functions. It gives students a

hands-on learning environment and aids in their understanding of animal anatomy.

Laboratory Equipment

Presented below are the laboratory apparatuses used in the activity:

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 Figure 1: The Specimen

Frog. Used during dissection to illustrate a complicated organism's organ systems. The

organs' locations and presence in frogs are sufficiently comparable to those in humans to

offer insights on how the human body functions internally.

Figure 2: The Materials

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Gloves. An essential part of the lab's personal safety equipment for instructors and

students. Laboratory gloves shield the wearer from potentially harmful chemicals and/or

biological contaminants.

Figure 3: The Materials

Mask. In order to prevent inhaling the unpleasant odor during dissecting. During medical

operations, these disposable devices are used to cover the mouth and nose. They avoid

contamination and stop infections from spreading.

Figure 4: The Materials

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Tissue Paper. Tissue paper is generally used in dissection to clean the dissecting area. It

is essential for comfort, cleanliness, and hygiene. Products made of tissue paper, work

incredibly well to encourage cleanliness by halting the spread of bacteria, viruses, germs,

and illness.

Figure 5. The Materials

Alcohol. used to sterilize the surgical tools that will be utilized during the procedure as

well as to clean and disinfect hard surfaces. Alcohol has the ability to eradicate germs and

leave surfaces immaculate. It may shine up from stainless steel appliances or chrome

fixtures without leaving water stains because it vaporizes quickly.

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 Figure 6: The Materials

Wipes. Utilized for cleaning the specimen's body, the blood, and the materials being

employed. Cleaning your hands quickly is one of the most popular uses. Wipes are an

essential hygiene product since they not only remove dirt and grime but also disinfect.

Figure 7: The Materials

Probe. The dissecting needle is another name for it. The frog is paralyzed by inserting the

used substance into its spinal cord. It is also used to examine dissected animals, pin body

sections, and tease and separate specimens.

Figure 8: The Materials

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Scalpel. Is an important dermatological instrument used for various surgical techniques,

tissue dissection, and skin incisions.

Figure 9: The Materials

Forceps. A non-locking gripping tool that enhances the instrument in the operating hand

by acting as an extension of the thumb and opposing fingers in the assisting hand. Their

main function is to support, retract, or grip tissue.

Figure 10: The Materials

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Dissecting Scissors. Dissecting scissors are more accurate than operating blades, they are

used to separate and distinguish tissues.

Figure 11: The Materials

Dissecting Tray. Is a metal tray that you can use to stick your specimen on as well as to

dissect it. The decontamination of the dissecting kit is done there.

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 METHODS

Figure 1: The Materials

Picture shown above is the specimen used for the frog dissection activity to

demonstrate the anatomy of its organ. The placement of the organs is quite similar

enough to the human body. The frog is 16 cm and is a male, belonging to class

amphibian. The researchers prepped the frog by washing it with running water before

starting the dissection process.

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 Figure 12: The Pithing Procedure

Step 1. By using the Probe, insert the needle through the rear base of the skull to paralyze

the frog. By doing this, the frog will not feel any pain during the dissection.

Figure 13: The Preparation

Step 2. Face the frog upward, preparing the frog for cutting the tummy. The students also

identified the different outside parts of the frogs such as its ear, head, and fingers.

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 Figure 14. The Dissection

Step 3. Utilizing the dissecting scissors, the students started cutting the frog's skin from

the point where the hind legs connect. They then followed the marking lines and worked

their way upward toward the base of the mouth, lifting the skin with forceps to prevent

damage to other areas.

Figure 15. The Dissection

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Step 4. After securing all the sliced skin on the dissection tray, the students began

chopping the muscles and bones. The students replicated the incisions on the skin. They

started cutting vertically between the hind legs before switching to horizontal cuts. When

trimming the chest, the students had to cut off the bones. They used forceps to secure the

muscles, much like in the prior treatment, so as not to damage other sections.

Figure 16: The Dissection

Step 5. The students then start looking at and learning about the frog's internal organs and

how they resemble human anatomy. The scalpel was used to shift the organs around and

make other parts more visible. After noting the location of each organ, they removed it to

have a better view of the anatomy. They positioned the removed organ on the dissecting

tray, keeping in mind its names and purposes.

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 Figure 17: The Frog’s Dissected Body

Step 6. Illustration shown above is the frog’s dissected body. By using alcohol, tissue,

and wet wipes, the students thoroughly cleaned the blood.

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 Figure 18: The Disposal of the Specimen

Step 7. After cleaning the area, the students disposed of the body and its organs properly.

Together with the extracted organs, the dissected frog body was wrapped in tissue paper.

The dissection waste was deposited in the excavated hole by the students.

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Frog’s Internal Organs

The organs have been successfully extracted from the body. The heart, lungs,

kidney, pancreas, gallbladder, intestines, stomach, and spleen are among the numerous

organs found inside a frog's body cavity. Each organ is fully formed and serves a specific

purpose.

Figure 19: The Internal Organ

Heart. After being taken out of the frog’s body, the heart was still beating. The heart took

minutes of time until it diffused and stopped beating. According to Goldman (2014), the

heart beats independently due to pacemaker cells. In frogs, these cells are located in the

sinus venosus at the junction of the vena cava and right atrium.

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 Figure 20. The Internal Organ

Gallbladder. After we remove the frog's bluish-green, pear-shaped gallbladder contracts

it becomes round and shiny after intracardiac injection of crude secretion. According to

Seager (1939), this change, including surface puckering and tortuous blood vessels, lasts

2–10 minutes before the gallbladder returns to its soft, flabby state.

Figure 21: The Internal Organ

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Lungs. When the lungs are removed from a frog's body, they become small and stop

working, unlike the heart, which continues to beat. According to Frog Respiration, when

a frog's lungs are removed, they shrink because they no longer have the pressure and

support from the thoracic cavity. Frog lungs are less developed than those of many other

animals, as frogs mainly depend on breathing through their skin (cutaneous respiration)

and the lining of their mouth (buccal respiration) to exchange oxygen.

Figure 22: The Internal Organ

Stomach. When the stomach was removed, it had a lot of pre-digested food and when we

remove the pre-digested food it becomes small. According to Testbook (2023), the inner

lining of the stomach has many long folds that help it stretch when needed.

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 Figure 23: The Internal Organ

Pancreas. The pancreas is quite small, making it difficult for us to identify its location at

first. According to Adams (2024), the pancreas is a long, flat gland near a frog's stomach.

It is important for the frog's body because it works as both an endocrine and exocrine

gland. Its endocrine role helps the body work properly.

Figure 24: The Internal Organ

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Large Intestine. As we observed, the large intestine of a frog is similar to that of a

human. In both, it stores undigested food. According to Biology Wise (2018), it absorbs

water from the food residue, and the solid waste moves towards the cloaca. Liquid waste

is directed to the urinary bladder, and both solid and liquid waste are expelled through the

cloacal opening.

Small Intestine. While examining the small intestine, we observed it is attached mid-

back via mesenteries. According to Karki (2020), It measures approximately 30 cm in

length and is connected to the mid-dorsal region of the body wall via mesenteries.

Figure 25: The Internal Organ

Spleen. It was very small and found at the very bottom portion below the small intestine.

According to Thornberry (2024), the frog's spleen helps filter blood, store blood cells,

and fight infections. It removes old or damaged blood cells, stores healthy ones for later

use, and plays a key role in the immune system by producing and managing cells that

help defend the body against infections.

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 Figure 26: The Internal Organ

Liver. The liver is the first organ we remove because it is large, and its size prevents us

from seeing the other organs. According to Boudreau (2022), The liver can block the

view of the heart, lungs, stomach, and gallbladder, making them harder to observe.

Because of its size and position, the liver often needs to be lifted or moved to clearly see

these organs, which are located underneath or behind it.

The Internal and External Observations of the Specimen

The students observed that the frog's anatomy showcases human anatomy,

highlighting their shared evolutionary traits. Externally, frogs possess four limbs—two

front legs and two powerful hind legs—adapted for swimming and jumping, with webbed

feet that enhance their aquatic mobility. Their skin is moist and covered in mucous

glands, which aid in respiration and hydration, featuring small bumps that serve this

purpose. According to Farley (2022), humans and frogs contain skin, bones, muscles, and

organs, despite their seemingly unlike appearances. The brain, mouth, eyes, ears, and

nose are all located in the head of both humans and frogs. Like humans, frogs have teeth

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and a tongue, but their teeth are weak and serve to grasp rather than devour their prey.

The limbs of both humans and frogs allow for movement, while the other important

organs are housed in the chest and belly.

Internally, frogs are much simpler and have an organ system, consisting of a

three-chambered heart, lungs for breathing, and a digestive system made up of a large

liver and intestines. While both species have key organ systems such as the respiratory

and circulatory systems, frogs also utilize their skin to breathe and to exchange gases.

This allows the students to expand their understanding of vertebrate biology and

evolutionary relationships between species. According to Alonso (2022), as vertebrates

with a spine and nerves extending throughout the body, frogs and humans share many

systems, including the neurological, circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems. The

nervous system controls both frogs' and humans' highly developed sense of hearing.

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 CONCLUSION

The dissection of a frog is an important way to learn about the anatomy of

animals. Students can see how the frog's body is constructed and functions by looking at

both its exterior and interior. Using various laboratory equipment, such as dissecting

scissors, forceps, and scalpels, students carefully examined the frog’s body. In addition to

improving the understanding of anatomical aspects, this practical experience helps them

become more proficient using dissection equipment.

Throughout the dissection process, students followed a systematic method to

observe and document their findings. They started by making notes about the frog's

outward traits, like its skin tone and texture, as well as its eyes and limbs. These findings

contribute to the understanding of frogs' environmental adaptations. Important organs

such as the heart, liver, lungs, and digestive system components were discovered during

the internal examination. The structure and function of each organ were examined,

emphasizing the parallels and discrepancies with human anatomy.

In conclusion, the frog dissection lab provides an essential learning experience

that deepens students' understanding of anatomy. Students learn how frogs adapt to their

surroundings and how their bodies work by looking at both internal and external

structures. This information not only fosters a greater understanding of biological

diversity but also establishes the groundwork for future research in biology and related

disciplines.

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REFERENCES

NATURE, PBS. (2021, May 6). Frog Fact Sheet | Blog | Nature | PBS. Nature.
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/frog-fact-sheet/
Ford, W. (2024, April 8). The Importance of Biology Dissection in Education: A
Comprehensiveguide. VITTA Education. https://vittaeducation.com/the-
importance-of-dissection-in-biology/
Saigo, H. (2023). Dissection Definition, Tools & Uses. Retrieved
from:https://study.com/academy/lesson/dissections-definition-
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%20they,organisms%20is%20an%20important%20skill.
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Mammals & Reptiles? Sciencing. https://www.sciencing.com/differences-
similarities-between-mammals-reptiles-8179273/dissection.(2025).
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Andres, A. B. (2005). Scalpel or mouse?: An investigation of students' experiences
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Goldman, M. (2014, April 28). Frog heart beats on its own in physiology lab | The
ScientEphic: Williams College Science blog.
https://sites.williams.edu/scientephic/news/frog-heart-beats-on-its-own-
physiologylab/#:~:text=You%20can%20see%20the%20heart,region%20called
%20the%20sinus%20venosus.
Seager, L. D. (1939). Contractions of frog’s gallbladder and its possible use as an assay
method. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 41(2), 326–327.
https://doi.org/10.3181/00379727-41-10661p
Your digestive system | University of Michigan Health. (n.d.). Retrived
from:https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/digestive-and-liver-
health/your-digestive-system#:~:text=Stomach%3A%20An%20organ%20with
%20strong,into%20a%20liquid%20or%20paste.
Testbook. (2023, August 30). Digestive system of frog - Detailed explanation and
structure. Testbook. https://testbook.com/biology/digestive-system-of-
frog#:~:text=The%20Stomach%20of%20a%20Frog,located%20in%20the%20
stomach%20wall.
Frog respiration. (n.d.).

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 https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Engineering/Courses/En123/MuscleExp/
Frog%20Respiration.htm?
Boudreau, S. (n.d.). No frog? No prob! A 3D visual guide to frog anatomy.
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anatomy?utm_source=perplexities
Thornberry, M. (2024, May 20). What is the function of a Frog'S spleen? - Berry patch
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physiology-of-digestion/
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system-of-frog-with-labeled-diagram
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