How to prepare the animal for dissection
Live specimens should be drowned in an airtight container that is completely filled with water. The animal should be left until completely drowned (i.e., unresponsive to touch). This will make it easier to dissect the specimen, as it kills the animal in an extended state (not contracted). Small snails may also be euthanized by emersion in boiling water. Specimens usually expire in a relaxed state and should be removed from boiling water when no longer responsive to touch.
The specimen should then be transferred to a dissecting dish containing 70 % ethanol or water. The solution should completely cover the specimen to minimize dehydration of the tissues. The dissecting dish should then be mounted onto the stage of the microscope and the dissection conducted under at least 10 X magnification.
| Supplies: |
|---|
| Dissecting microscope |
| Water |
| Dissecting dish |
| Forceps |
| Scalpel |
| Dissecting scissors |
| Pliers |
| 4-inch C-clamp or small vice grip (optional) |
| 70 % Ethanol (optional) |
| Curved forceps (optional) |
| # 4 stainless steel insect pins (optional) |