Photos: Frog dissection made easy

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x-ray vision

The days of dissecting real animals may be numbered, thanks to software from companies like Froguts. Subscribing schools receive CDs that guide students through virtual dissections of animals that used to smell up biology lab: frogs, fetal pigs, squid and others. And you can even take the materials home to study.
Warning: Some of the following images are graphic.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:01 GMT (09:01 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
pig circulation

The fetal pig is the first mammal to be tackled by Froguts. Students can use point-and-click scalpels, scissors and saws to find, remove and examine organs.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:01 GMT (09:01 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
frog guts

Froguts' frog dissection software was first posted free on the Web in 2001. When word got out, the company's ISP was overwhelmed by the traffic.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:01 GMT (09:01 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Cow eye

Ever wonder what a cow eye looks like on the inside? The software gives information as it goes step-by-step through the dissection process.
The retina has photo receptors called rods that distinguish black from white and convert light into electrical impulses. Humans have addition receptors called cones that distinguish color.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:01 GMT (09:01 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
squid

This image shows the reproductive organs of a squid.
Several states have laws that require dissection software as an alternative to the real thing.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:01 GMT (09:01 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
starfish

The starfish can move its stomach through its mouth, invert itself on top of prey, and then retract.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:01 GMT (09:01 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler