Frog Dissection

Intro

Moving into our next unit, we were introduced to body systems; to better understand that matter we dissected a frog. Through the dissection, we were able to see multiple body systems, their inner workings, and placement throughout the body.

Content

  • Organ - a collection of tissues that work together to preform a vital function
  • Body System - a group of organs that work to together to complete a more complex function
  • Nervous System; brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves - coordinates the body's response to changes in its internal and external
  • Integumentary System; skin, hair, nails, sweat, oil glands - barrier against infection/injury, regulate body temperature, protect against UV radiation from sun
  • Respiratory System; nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, lungs - provide oxygen needed for cellular respiration, remove excess carbon dioxide from body
  • Digestive System; mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines - convert food into simpler molecules that can be used by cells of the body, absorbs food
  • Excretory System; skin, lungs, kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra - eliminate waste products of metabolism, maintain homeostasis
  • Skeletal System; bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons - supports the body, protect internal organs, allow movement, stores mineral reserves, provide site for blood cell formation
  • Muscular System; skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, cardiac muscle - work with skeletal system to produce voluntary movement, helps to circulate blood and move food through digestive system
  • Circulatory System; heart, blood, blood vessels - bring oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells, fight infection, regulate body temperature
  • Endocrine System; hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas, ovaries, testes - control growth development, metabolism, reproduction
  • Reproductive System; testes, epididymis, vas deferens, urethra, penis, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina - produce reproductive cells, in females nurtures/protects developing embryo
  • Lymphatic System; white blood cells, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, lymph vessels - help protect body from disease, collect fluid lost from blood vessels and return to circulatory system

Reflection

This project was all about cultural competence. I had never dissected anything before, and I wasn't exactly open to the idea. The first day I didn't even touch the frog, but after a few days of being subject to watching a dozen kids handle the experiment, I was more accepting. I now see how the dissection of the frog aided us in our understanding of human body systems, and greatly appreciate the opportunity. However, this was majorly about cooperation because we had to take turns dissecting the frog. While two people were doing the dissecting, the third was taking notes.