Chicken Dissection: A Hands-On GuideI've found a simple part to go about avian anatomy. Dissecting one is a cool way to do it, whether you're studying, doing science, or just curious about what you're eating.
You'll need to be careful and know your stuff, plus have the right tools.
Most especially the preclinical students My insight pictures and writing will take you through it step-by-step, using the correct anatomy and clinical terms but making things simple.
Major requirements Galusgalus domesticus with feathers removed and first layer epithelium exposed With organs still inside Administer formalin of 40 percent concentration.
Scalpel or sharp scissors Dissection tray or cutting board Forceps Hand Gloves Pins Notebook and pen First step Look at the Outside Before you cut, take a good look at the chicken's outside:-
Head:Check out the skull, beak, nostrils, eyes, and that fleshy comb on top.Neck Feel the bones in the neck. That's how it moves its head around.
The windpipe and food pipe are in there too.-Body: The sternum area has the heart and lungs, while the belly area has the guts and stuff for making eggs.
Wings: Feel the same bones as in your arm; feathers keep it warm and help it fly.Legs: You'll find a femur, tibiotarsus, and metatarsus, ending in toes.
Male chickens have that pointy spur.Following the procedures, you are ready to make the first incision.
Firstly, Put the chicken on its back, chest up.Cut: Use your scalpel or scissors to cut down the middle, from the wishbone to the lower belly.
Peel the skin away from the breast muscle.CheckingThe fat under the skin- Where the feathers grow from-
Peel: Pull the skin back to see the muscles and bones, like that big breastbone.Thirdly, Checking Out the Muscles Breast Muscles: It helps to move the wings.
Shoulder Muscle: Helps with wing movement.Leg Muscles: Used for walking and standing.
Check for Muscle fibers Tendons that connect muscles to bones Open the sternum (chest).
Make a cut. Using scissors to cut through the breastbone and open up the chest.Locate the Heart:It's in the middle, inside a sac.
It has four parts: right and left atriums and ventricles.Spot the aorta and arteries.
Look at the Lungs:They're small and against the ribs.Birds have air sacs that help them breathe well.Dig into the Digestive SystemFood Pipe & Crop: The food pipe goes to the crop, where food is stored.
Two Stomachs: One stomach has enzymes, and the other grinds food with stones.Gut Stuff: The duodenum is the start of the gut.
Two pouches help digest plants.Liver & Pancreas: The liver makes bile for digestion, and the pancreas makes enzymes.Exit: The cloaca is where everything comes together before leaving through the vent (the exit hole).
Find the reproductive organs.If it's a Hen:Ovary: look for developing egg cells.Oviduct: Eggs go along here.
Shell Gland: Adds the shell before the egg comes out.If it's a cock (male)Testes: Near the kidneys.Vas Deferens: Takes sperm to the cloaca.
Observing the Nerves Brain: Take off the skull to see the cerebrum (thinking), cerebellum (balance), and medulla oblongata (breathing, etc.).Spinal Cord: Runs along the backbone.
Nerves go to the muscles and organs.BonesMain Bones: Skull, backbone, ribs.Wing and Leg Bones Cool Facts:Hollow bones for flying.Fused backbone for strength.
In Conclusion Dissecting a chicken is a cool way to see how it all works. Muscles, blood, digestion, making eggs, nerves, and bones—it all comes together to keep the chicken alive.Whether you're learning or just curious, knowing this stuff makes you appreciate biology and nature.