Leech Neurophysiology Lab

Purpose/ Hypothesis: 

For this lab, my hypothesis is that each cell will all respond differently. Each will show that each cells is responsible for collecting touch information from the skin of the leech to its brain.

Materials: 

Feather, Probe, Forceps, Scissors, Pins, Scalpel, Dissection Tray, Leech Tank, 20% Ethanol, Leech Tongs, Dissection Microscope, Micromanipular, Oscilloscope, Leech

Procedure: 

1. Anesthetize and dissect the leech
2. Remove leech innards and observe ganglion
3. Cut out the ganglion window
4. Isolate one ganglion
5. Cut the ganglion sinus
6. Probe and identify ganglion sensory cells

Results: 

After repeating the experiment a couple of times it was shown that the cells did in fact respond differently. There were cell types: N, T, P, R and X. Each cell either reacted differently to the feather, probe and forceps or had no stimuli at all. The results for the Dyed Cell pointed out which cell type they were.

Conclusion:

The cells all responded differently. After testing all the possible results they each showed that cells are indeed responsible for collecting touch information from the skin of the leech to its brain. By each reacting to the different objects with alternative stimuli they show that not every cells corresponds and does what one another does. This only proves the previous hypothesis stated from the beginning.