Assignment Title: Dissection Procedure of Cockroach and Exposing Digestive System
Student Name: Kashaf
Subject: Zoology
Introduction
The cockroach, particularly Periplaneta americana, is one of the most studied insects in
entomology and zoology. It belongs to the phylum Arthropoda, the largest animal phylum
that includes insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. Cockroaches have been used
extensively in biology laboratories due to their large size, hardy nature, and simple
anatomical structure. This assignment focuses on the dissection procedure of the
cockroach, emphasizing the structure and function of its digestive system. The purpose of
this dissection is to provide a hands-on approach to learning insect anatomy, enhancing
the theoretical understanding with practical exposure.
Taxonomy and Morphological Features
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Blattodea
- Genus: Periplaneta
- Species: americana
Cockroaches are bilaterally symmetrical, triploblastic, coelomate organisms with a
segmented body. The body is divided into three regions: head, thorax, and abdomen.
They possess a chitinous exoskeleton, compound eyes, and jointed appendages. The
thorax bears three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings. The open circulatory system and
tube-like digestive system are typical characteristics of insects.
Materials Required for Dissection
To carry out a proper dissection of the cockroach, the following materials are necessary:
- Preserved cockroach specimen
- Dissecting tray with wax base
- Dissecting tools: scalpel, forceps, dissecting scissors, and pins
- Saline solution
- Lab coat, gloves, magnifying glass or dissecting microscope
- Blotting paper and tissue
Dissection Procedure
1. Place the cockroach dorsal side up in the dissecting tray and fix it using pins through
the legs.
2. Make a longitudinal incision through the dorsal cuticle starting from the thoracic to the
abdominal region.
3. Carefully lift the cuticle and pin it to the tray to expose the internal organs.
4. Remove fat bodies and tracheae to get a clear view of the digestive system.
5. Observe and identify the foregut, midgut, and hindgut.
Reference: Marshall, A.J. (1983). The Insects: Structure and Function.
Digestive System Overview
The digestive system of the cockroach is a long, coiled tube divided into three main
regions: foregut, midgut, and hindgut.
1. Foregut (Stomodaeum): This section includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, crop,
and gizzard. The crop serves as a food storage organ, while the gizzard, lined with
chitinous plates, grinds food into finer particles. Salivary glands secrete enzymes that
begin the process of digestion in the foregut.
2. Midgut (Mesenteron): This is the main site of enzymatic digestion and absorption. It is
lined with columnar epithelial cells and contains hepatic caeca, which increase the
surface area for digestion.
3. Hindgut (Proctodaeum): This region includes the ileum, colon, and rectum. The
hindgut plays an essential role in osmoregulation by reabsorbing water and salts. It also
compacts waste material into feces that are expelled through the anus.
Reference: Snodgrass, R.E. (1935). Principles of Insect Morphology.
Associated Glands and Structures
Cockroaches have a pair of salivary glands connected to the mouth via ducts. These
glands produce saliva containing enzymes like amylase. Hepatic caeca found in the
midgut serve as digestive glands. Malpighian tubules, although excretory in function,
open at the junction of the midgut and hindgut, filtering nitrogenous waste from the
hemolymph.
Reference: Chapman, A.D. (1998). Insects: Structure and Function.
Functions of Digestive Organs
Organ - Structure & Function
Mouth - Ingestion of food
Crop - Temporary food storage
Gizzard - Mechanical breakdown of food using chitinous teeth
Midgut - Site of enzymatic digestion and nutrient absorption
Caeca - Secretes digestive enzymes, increases surface area
Hindgut - Reabsorbs water and salts, forms feces
Rectum - Stores feces before excretion
Precautions During Dissection
- Always wear gloves and protective clothing.
- Use sharp instruments carefully to avoid injury.
- Handle the specimen with care to prevent damaging internal structures.
- Clean and sterilize tools before and after dissection.
Conclusion
Dissecting a cockroach provides a detailed understanding of insect physiology and
internal structure. The digestive system, although simple, performs vital functions that
sustain the insect's survival. From the crop to the rectum, every organ contributes to
digestion, absorption, and excretion. Learning about these systems through dissection not
only reinforces classroom knowledge but also sharpens observational and laboratory
skills. Such practices are fundamental for students of biological sciences, especially
zoology.
References
1. Barnes, R.D. (1987). Invertebrate Zoology. Saunders College Publishing.
2. Marshall, A.J. (1983). The Insects: Structure and Function. Elsevier.
3. Snodgrass, R.E. (1935). Principles of Insect Morphology. McGraw Hill.
4. Chapman, A.D. (1998). Insects: Structure and Function. Cambridge University Press.
5. Brusca, R.C., & Brusca, G.J. (2003). Invertebrates. Sinauer Associates.
