We describe the gross dissection of the stomach of the American lobster (Homarus americanus).
In our laboratory dissection of the lobster stomach is done to access the stomatogastric nervous system, a network that controls the rhythmic contractions of the stomach. The anatomy of lobster stomach has been well described previously5-7, and we recommend becoming familiar with its anatomy. Doing so will reduce the risk of damaging the delicate nerves and muscle.
Upon completion of the stomach dissection, various portions of the STNS may be further dissected. For example to study neuromuscular junctions, one of the STNS nerves and the muscle it innervates may be isolated. The somata of neurons in the stomatogastric ganglion may be accessed for recordings or molecular work by isolating the stomatogastric ganglion. The dissection of the STNS, including the stomatogastric ganglion and nerves, has been documented in a companion JoVE article4.
We would like to acknowledge our advisor, Dr. Eve Marder. This research was supported by National Institute of Health grants NS17813 to Eve Marder and NS059255 to A-E T.
Material Name | Type | Company | Catalogue Number | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Homarus americanus | Commercial Lobster | Can be purchased from any lobster supplier, We specifically request “chicken” lobsters. | ||
Black Sylgard 170 | Dow Corning | 170 | ||
Preparation Dish | Fischer | 08-807 | Fill 2″ with Black Sylgard 170. | |
Fine Scissors | FST | 14090-09 | ||
Insect Pins size 6 | FST | 26000-65 | ||
Mayo Scissors | This is a common product offered by many suppliers of dissecting tools. | |||
Micro-Spatula | Ward Sci. | 15 V 4313 | This is a very common product offered by many suppliers of lab tools. | |
Rongeurs | FST | 16000-14 | ||
Plastic hemostat | This is a common product offered by many suppliers of dissecting or jewelry making tools. |