1. Shark Dissection

2. Each Dissection Group:
One member retrieves their shark
Block 3: Hood
Block 4: Cart
One member retrieves a laptop computer
Be sure to be working on questions while making cuts

3. Exterior Anatomy Checklist
Nares
Spiracles
Mouth
Gill slits
Cloaca
Rostrum
Dorsal spines
Dorsal fin
Caudal fin
Pelvic fin
Pectoral fin

4. Part 1: Pre-Lab Questions
1. How is the shark’s nose different from our own?
2. Why are the Spiracles important?
3. The mouth of the shark is part of which organ system(s)?
4. What is the function of the Gill Slits?
5. What does the Lateral Line do?
6. What two organ systems include the cloaca?
7. Since the Clasper is only present on male dogfish sharks, what gender is your shark?
8. How many fins does a dogfish shark have?
9. What’s another name for the Rostrum?
10. Where are the Dorsal Spines located?

5. 2A: Internal (Muscles) Place shark in tray, ventral-side up.
Cut shallowly from opening to jaw line.
Remove skin from shark’s head
Expose muscles around head/jaw

6. Part 2A Questions
1. How did you position your shark to remove the Dorsal Spines?
2. How did you position your shark once you remove the Dorsal Spines?
3. In step 2 you made an incision from where to where?
4. Was the shark’s skin as thick as you expected it to be? Why or why not?

7. Internal Anatomy Place shark in tray, ventral-side up.
Cut through muscular wall (gently) from cloaca to jaw
Make cuts across the shark to create flaps
Open shark up and pin it down to pad
Be gentle so as not to damage internal organs!!

8. Internal anatomy Checklist 2B
Esophagus
Stomach
Duodenum
Liver
Pancreas
Spleen
Rectum

9. Part 2B Questions
Use your textbook and internet resources to describe the function of the following 7 organs:
Esophagus
Stomach
Duodenum
Liver
Pancreas
Spleen
Rectum
How does the ratio of digestive surface to shark size compare to the digestive surface to body size ratio in humans?

13. Part 2C Internal Anatomy
Gentle cut up to sharks’ jaw and over to create flaps.
Pin flaps out of the way.
Cut behind gills … gently!!

14. Part 2C Internal Anatomy Checklist
Heart
Gill rakers
Ventricle
Atrium
Teeth
pharynx

16. Post-Dissection
Post-lab questions #1-23