Summary
Highlights
Physiology is an experimental subject where knowledge is derived from experimental evidence. The frog is often used as an experimental animal in these studies due to specific reasons.
The first step for isolating the sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius muscle is frog pithing. This involves catching the frog, securing it, and preparing to make an incision.
To pith the frog, hold its head down to expose the junction between the skull and the first cervical vertebrae. Insert a needle or seeker into this depression and push it cranially to destroy the brain (single pithing). The needle can also be pushed into the vertebral canal.
Successful pithing is characterized by the paralysis of the hind limbs. This process renders the animal insensible to pain, allowing for a humane dissection. The frog is then positioned for the dissection process.
The main tool for frog pithing is the seeker. Forceps are used to hold the skin during dissection.