External Anatomy

Step 1
Place the preserved frog in a dissecting tray.

A frog laid out on a tray.

Step 2
Identify the eyes, which have a non-moveable upper and lower lid, but can be covered with a nictitating membrane that serves to moisten the eye.

Step 3
Locate the tympanum behind each eye.

Image highlighting the external anatomy of a frog

Step 4
Examine the external nares (nostrils). Insert a probe into the external nares and note that it protrudes from one of the paired small openings, the internal nares inside the mouth cavity.

Step 5
Identify the paired appendages. The short forelimb consists of an upper arm (forearm) and a hand. The hand has four digits and a rudimentary vestigial thumb. The hind limb consists of a thigh, shank, and a foot. The foot has five digits and a rudimentary sixth digit.

Next: Mouth Anatomy

Frog Dissection

  1. External Anatomy
  2. Mouth Anatomy
  3. Setup for the Dissection
  4. Respiratory System and Liver
  5. Circulatory System
  6. Digestive System
  7. Urogential System
  8. Male Anatomy
  9. Female Anatomy
  10. Cleanup