Laboratory Exercise 3

TOAD DISSECTION
Dissecting a model organism and inspecting its structures are fundamental steps in learning
vertebrate anatomy. The commonly used animal is toad (Bufo marinus), a member of Class
Amphibia. It has a body plan that is representative of vertebrates: distinct head and trunk regions,
encased brain, and organized organs of the circulatory, digestive, respiratory, and nervous system.
Thus, it can provide a good insight on how body systems work together. Toad is easy to collect or
purchase, and is manageable to handle in the laboratory. Additionally, reducing its population will
not do any harm, and might even be beneficial to our ecosystem since it is an invasive species.

REFERENCES

Gupta, M. (n.d). Toad Skeleton: Axial and Appendicular. Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
http://www.biologydiscussion.com/toad/skeleton/toads-skeleton-axial-and-appendicular-
zoology/4929

Mehgna G. (n.d) Skeletal Structures of Toad. Retrieved March 6, 2018 from

http://www.notesonzoology.com/toad/skeletal-structures-of-toad-with-diagram-
zoology/3577

University of Wisconsin: La Crosse. (2018). Tetrapod Vertebrate. Retrieved March 6, 2018 from
https://www.uwlax.edu/biology/zoo-lab/lab-10--tetrapod-vertebrates/#undefined
 2

Laboratory Exercise 3: TOAD DISSECTION DATA SHEET

Cassie De Guzman Hidalgo
Name: ___________________________________ Section: ________________

INSTRUCTIONS: Record all the necessary observations in this sheet. (6 pts.)

PART 2: THE HEAD

A. Label the following parts of the toad’s head.

lower eyelid
eyes

poison glands

external nares

Mouth

Fig. 1. Toad’s head. Image retrieved from:

https://www.unilearn.net.au/Courses/Labs/UNL44/ACT6/Frog%20Dissection%20additional%20
information.pdf

B. Other observations
none
1. Do you find any teeth? ________________________________________________
posterior
2. Is the tongue anteriorly or posteriorly attached to the mouth? __________________

PART 3: THE TRUNK

 3

Label the following parts of the toad’s trunk.

anterior limbs

fingers

forearm

hump belly/ abdomen posterior limbs

shank/lower leg

vent/anus
Fig. 2. Toad’s trunk. Image retrieved from: https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/37544/zoom/fig/19/

B. Other observations
4
1. Examine the forelegs (front)? How many toes are present? ________ Are the toes
no it's not
webbed? ________

2. Based from your answer on question 1 regarding the characteristic of the toes of the

toad, what do you think is the advantage of having these types of toes for these organisms?
their fingers aren't limited to expand and it's not hard to stand on surfaces with spikes.
______________________________________________________________________________
 4

PART 4: THE MUSCLES OF THE TOAD

Label the following toad muscles. No need to label those that are shaded black.

external oblique pectoralis

mylohyoid

sternohyoid

rectus abdominis

Fig. 3. Toad’s jaw and abdominal muscles. Image retrieved from: https://animalcorner.org/frog-muscles-anatomy/
 5

vastus externus

rectus femurs anticus

gluteus

gastrocnemus

Fig. 4. Toad’s leg muscles