Squid dissection is a technique to critically examine the functions of several squid features and organs. The dissection often helps to locate and identify major external and internal features and organs of a squid and also it helps to understand and use basic dissection techniques and terms.
Materials required for squid dissection are squid, scissors, toothpicks, drawing paper,forceps, hand lens, small cups, dissecting pan, paper towels, diagram of squid, wash bottle, microscope, dissecting scopes, slides.
Activity in Squid Dissection can consist of locating the water jet which is found on the ventral side of the squid. Look for the tentacles and arms that are attached to the head of the squid. Locate and compare the two. Now find the two large eyes on the head of the squid. Also observe the body, which is covered by the mantle, and fin. Gently spread apart the tentacles and use a probe to feel inside the mouth. The jaws can be felt inside the mouth.
Finally, dissection is a tactile experience which you may want to explore this aspect through sensory activities, written descriptions, poetry, and/or artwork. Excellent specimens can be found of parts like stomach, caecum, hearts, gills, reproductive organs, ink sac, liver, gladius, brain eyeball, eggs from the ovaries, spermatophores, connective membranes, radula and beak.
After you have finished, clean area totally, return equipment and to alleviate the odour use lemon juice, then dispose off the specimen in zip-lock bag.
