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Invasive Procedures
Last month, the "BioPoint" students dissected preserved crayfish specimens. The crayfish was the first in a series of upcoming dissections. By understanding the anatomy of one specimen, the process becomes easier for others. Below, one student shares images and notes from the experience. From a "BioPoint" student's point-of-view...
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 On the underside of the crayfish, notice the long chelipeds that have large pincers called chelea. |
 To begin, carefully use a forcep and your fingers to open the crayfish.
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 The crayfish's external anatomy has many parts: the compound eye, antennae, antennules, rostrum, walking leg, cheliped, swimmeret, uropod, and telson.
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 After opening the crayfish and pinning it in place, the internal anatomy is revealed.
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 Placed in a petri dish, the open stomach of the crayfish is dark because there is still food inside.
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 Mrs. Mazen helps us identify some of the crayfish's parts.
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 It can be tricky to separate each part without damaging them.
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 We used a dissecting microscope to observe the gills and other parts of the crayfish.
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 As in any laboratory activity, we wore gloves for protection while dissecting the crayfish.
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 We used the forceps to grab and move each of the tiny parts of the specimen.
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 The scalpel is also helpful for separating and placing small parts.
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 We also had to keep a pencil nearby to make notes about the parts we identified.
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