How to Dissect a Mouse

Many people have dissected a frog in biology class before. Done in a very similar way, the dissection of a mouse can be completed so the student can take note of the size of organs in a mouse's body. Follow these steps to dissect a mouse.

Instructions

1. Lay the deceased mouse on its back. Use a piece of cardboard as the backboard for the mouse. The dissection will be started in the abdomen area unless you are interested in seeing the mouse's spine.

2. Secure the mouse on its backside with small nails or pins. If no pins or nails are available then good, strong tape will do just fine. This will keep the mouse in one place while you make the incisions.

3. Cut down the center of the body from the neck to the lower abdomen first. Make two additional cuts creating the image of a capital letter "I." This will create the doors to the mouse's insides.

4. Open the mouse's doors. Be careful to not tear the skin. Only open as much as the cut pieces will allow. If this is not enough then close the mouse and make larger incisions. Do not take a deep breath at this time. There may be a bit of a foul odor. Use paper towels to clean up any blood or bodily juices that may emerge.

5. Remove the visible organs. Try to determine and identify the different organs and lay them out. A reference book can be used if you're unsure of what specific mouse organs look like. The dissection of the mouse is now complete.