Michael Pallon Biology II Honors Skate Dissection

I.

Purpose: The purpose of this lab was to observe the internal anatomy of a
preserved skate. Throughout this lab, students had the opportunity to extend their knowledge of the anatomy of sea life after studying many different types of chordates that exist in the oceans.

II.

Materials: Dissecting pan, pins, scalpels, forceps, scissors, probes, and preserved
skate.

III.

Procedure: Collected dissecting materials and preserved skate, placed skate in

dissecting pan, ventral side up. Began incision at posterior ventral region, traveled upward past gill slits. Cut laterally at each end of main incision to expose internal organs of skate. Separated skin from connective tissue with scalpel, examined superficial organs with probe. Removed superficial organs with probe and forceps locating digestive, reproductive, and excretory organs in deeper region of the cavity. Observed and identified many organs (see Observations) and discussed their physiological role in the skates system. Disposed of skate, washed all dissection materials, cleaned and dried dissection pan. Cleared lab area of any preservation fluid on lab bench. Washed hands.

IV.

Observations: Throughout this lab each group member was able to see skate
intestines, pancreas, bladder, stomach, uterus, claspers, heart, liver kidney, fallopian tubes, testes, brain, lateral line, and spinal cord.

V.

Analysis and Conclusion: This dissection was effective in helping students to

get a better understanding of what makes up a skate, as well as other chordates that live under water. Seeing these animals in real life also helped us to see anatomical similarities that these animals had to simpler organisms that also live under water, such as the visual similarities of the skates claspers to the swimmerets of a lobster, although they have different functions.