Dissection

Equipment List

• Scalpel
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Pins
• Dissection board
• Newspaper/paper towels
• Biological specimen

Method (General Guidelines for Dissection)

1. Preparation

• Place a newspaper or paper towel on the dissection board to prevent contamination.
• Ensure you are wearing protective clothing such as a lab coat, gloves, and eye protection.

2. Examine the Specimen

• Carefully position the specimen on the board.
• Use pins to hold it in place, if necessary.

3. Dissect with Precision

• Use a scalpel for small incisions and scissors for larger cuts.
• Avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent damage to the specimen or injury.

4. Observe and Identify Structures

• Carefully expose key structures of interest, such as gas exchange surfaces or transport pathways.
• Record observations and follow with a labelled diagram.

5. Clean and Dispose

• Dispose of the specimen and paper towels appropriately.
• Clean tools with disinfectant, and wash hands thoroughly after completion.

Risk Assessment

Hazard	Risk	Safety Precaution	In Emergency	Risk Level
Biohazard	Contamination	Use disinfectant; wash hands with soap after handling.	Seek assistance.	Low
Disinfectant	Flammable	Keep away from naked flames.	Put out fire; seek assistance.	Low
Sharp Tools	Cuts from sharp objects	Cut away from fingers; use forceps to hold tissue while cutting.	Elevate cuts; apply pressure; seek medical help.	Low

Tips for Drawing a Labelled Diagram

• Use a sharp HB pencil for clear and detailed lines.
• Make the drawing large (at least half a page) for clarity.
• No shading or sketching—lines should be single and continuous.
• Label structures with straight lines drawn with a ruler (no crossing lines or arrows).
• Include the magnification or scale in your diagram.

Analysis

• Identify all key structures, such as the gas exchange surfaces (e.g., alveoli, gills) or transport pathways (e.g., arteries, veins, or xylem).
• Compare observed features with textbook diagrams to ensure accurate identification.