Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Dissect a Turtle's Excretory System

Dissecting a turtle's excretory system is an experiential way for students to learn the intricacies of physiological biology. By peering inside the turtle's body, you can see firsthand how the final part of the turtle's digestive system functions. The turtle's excretory system consists of the kidneys, bladder, urethra and large intestines, meaning there are a number of important organs that will be covered in this exercise.

Things You'll Need

Rubber gloves
Safety glasses
Scalpel
Dissection tray

Instructions

- 1
  Put on rubber gloves and goggles.
- 2
  Place the turtle on its back in a dissection tray, so that the bottom of its feet are facing upward.
- 3
  Use a scalpel to cut around the ridge of the turtle's anterior carapace.
- 4
  Lift off the turtle's anterior carapace. This may require you to use the scalpel to cut any extra ligaments or tissues that are holding the carapace in place.
- 5
  Place the anterior carapace aside. Removing the anterior carapace reveals the large intestine and bladder. The large intestine is marked by its inflated tubular appearance and connection with the turtle's anal sphincter. The bladder is located directly below the large intestine and is marked by its thick wrinkled walls and balloonlike shape.
- 6
  Lift the large intestines out of the turtle to reveal the urethral tract.
- 7
  Use the scalpel to cut both ends of the intestinal tract. This empties the main cavity of the turtle's body.
- 8
  Lift the lungs of the turtle with your finger. The lungs look like two gray porous sacs that are on each side of the turtle's heart. The lungs are also located about where the intestinal tract had been.
- 9
  Observe the kidneys beneath the lifted lungs.

Animals & Science