If your school doesn't offer alternatives like interactive computer models in biology class, you might have to cut up animals.To learn the subject and improve your skills at cutting animals open, it's best to begin small.worms are the most common subject for dissection since they're inexpensive.They are a good first step in learning about higher-level life forms.
Step 1: You can get a worm from your backyard, a pet store or online.
An earthworm is a big worm.A small shovel can be used to dig into the soil of a dark, damp area in your yard.Once you locate a worm, break up the soil.You may have to dig more than one hole.If you don't want to find a worm, you can buy them at some gardening stores or at a pet store, where they may be sold as food for other animals.You can find them online.After a rainstorm, earthworms may come out.There are online retailers that sell worms specifically for dissection.There are worms for sale at your local gardening store.
Step 2: The worm should be put in a drink.
The alcohol relaxes the muscles.The worm will most likely be stiff if there is no that.Make sure the body is still soft and flexible if the worm is dead.To preserve the body, place it in alcohol.After death, Earthworm bodies begin to dry out.When searching for a worm, you should have a container of rubbing alcohol with you.Remove the worm and pat it dry with a paper towel.If you buy your worm online, it may be alcohol.
Step 3: You need to put on your protective gear.
Even though it's a dissection of an earthworm, you still need to be careful.An apron or lab coat is required.Before you go through the dissection, make sure your equipment is clean.If you accidentally cut yourself, you don't want to get a nastybacteria or a dangerous chemical into your body.
Step 4: Feel the bristles on the skin.
Facing the tray, turn that side of the body down.The side that is smooth should face upward towards you.
Step 5: Attach a pin to the worm
You should avoid moving it around as you work on it.You don't have to tear the worm if you put the pin in close to the end.Put a pin in the other end of the worm.
Step 6: The mouth of a worm is a landmark for cutting.
The clitellum is close to the mouth of the worm.It is where food enters the body.
Step 7: You can also locate the anus.
The end of the digestive system is where excrement leaves the worm.The other end of the worm's body is where it is located.
Step 8: Put your knife along the clitellum.
There is a large band around the worm.The clitellum is close to the anus.The blade should be pointed in the direction of the mouth.You will have to identify many of the organs at this end.
Step 9: Cut the skin from the clitellum.
Keep your cut shallow.You could damage the organs if you go too deep.
Step 10: The skin should be pulled back gently with the forceps.
This should be done for both sides of the worm.If you can see the insides, pull back the skin.To avoid tearing the skin, make sure to do it slowly and carefully.
Step 11: There are needles in the skin.
It's important to keep the skin from coming back into the body when you're examining it.Don't stretch the skin out too much in order to avoid tearing it.
Step 12: The organs can be removed with the assistance of the forceps.
First, focus on the upper part of the body.The organs should be placed to the side so as to not obstruct the other parts of the body.
Step 13: The organs can be looked at with the magnifying glass.
They should be compared to a diagram of an earthworm.The parts of the digestive system that can be identified are a series of small and large bulges.
Step 14: The pharynx should be identified.
This is a collection of muscles.There is a bulge below the thin tube that extends from the mouth.The pharynx is what this is.
Step 15: The person needs to identify the part of the body called the esophagus.
The food enters the tube through the mouth.The organ is located below the pharynx.
Step 16: Look at the crop.
Food is temporarily stored in the crop after it leaves the stomach.The crop is larger than the pharynx.
Step 17: Pick out the gizzard.
The food is completely grinded down by this organ.It's the next big bulge of the GI tract.Below the crop is where you can find it.
Step 18: Do you know the location of the intestine?
The bulge below the gizzard is where most of the digestion takes place.The waste products are pushed downward toward the anus in this organ.
Step 19: Remove the pins.
The pins should be removed one at a time.The pins can be placed in a cup or tray.They will not be knocked over if they are moved to a different location.
Step 20: Get rid of the worm.
When you are done taking notes, do this.Because they are not considered hazardous waste, they can be placed in the regular landfill trash.
Step 21: Clean up.
Rub alcohol on your tools.You can wash your hands with warm water.Remove any blood or body parts from your workspace.