Frog Nervous System

Knights of the Long Table

Introduction
Why Frogs?

show both primitive and advanced vertebrate structures the position of their internal organs is similar to that of humans they are small and readily available

In this particular study, frogs also have a highly developed nervous system (CNS,PNS, and ANS) similar to humans.

Introduction
Nervous

system

organ system that is responsible for conduction of impulses, coordination and integration of the various functions of the organs and receptor of stimuli composed of a network of neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of the body.

Introduction
Neurons

send signals to other cells through electrochemical waves which travel along axons and cause the release of neurotransmitters. Pithing

a method where the brain or spinal cord is damaged and results to loss of some stimuli responses of the animal

Introduction
The

experiment aims to compare the stimuli responses of a normal frog from a decerebrated, brain pithed and double pithed frog.

Materials and methods

Two frogs were prepared Five different stimuli touch (hind toe) - forceps electric shock (limbs) - electrode heat (limbs) soldering rod chemical (belly) 10% acetic acid test for righting of the body - dissecting pan test for compensatory movement dissecting pan

Results
STIMULUS/ State of Frog Normal

RESPONSES
Decerebrated Spinal Totally-pithed

Touch

+ +
+ + + +

+ +
+ + + +

+ +
+ + _ _

_ _
_ _ _ _

Electric Shock

Heat

Chemical

Righting the Body

Compensatory Movement

+ = reactive - = non-reactive

Discussion
The

data gathered conform to the expected results: normal and decerebrated frog respond to all of the stimuli presented The brain pithed frog only respond to touch, electric shock, heat and chemical stimuli totally pithed frog would not respond to any of the stimuli.

Discussion
The

brain and spinal cord have varying functions.

The brain processes more complicated stimuli compared to the spinal cord. The brain pithed frog loses its ability for compensatory movement but does not lose its spinal reflexes.

Discussion

The brain and spinal cord coordinate their actions. The brain - much more complicated tasks The spinal cord produces simple reflexes which are necessary for survival. Another function of the spinal cord is to relay information to and from the brain while also generating basic patterns of locomotion.

Conclusion
brain

- interpretation of sensory impulses, controls motor function (movement) and balance. spinal cord - relays motor signals from the brain to the muscles of the body, and sensory information from the body to the brain.

Summary
Frog Normal Decerebrated Part of CNS destroyed None Forebrain of the brain Functions lost none spontaneous movement; perception through touch; memory

Single pithed

Brain only

Ability for compensatory movement; Ability to remain upright/balance

All the ability to react to stimuli

Double pithed

Both brain and spinal cord

Recommendation
Pithing

must be done with less time.