The biomechanical modeling of the body and head of Bullfrogs
Funded, in part by the Science Foundation of Arizona, this project is a collaborative effort between the labs of Dr. K. Nishikawa (NAU), Dr. J. Nissanov (Drexel), Dr. S. Gister (Drexel), and Dr. D. Pai ( Rutgers & UBC)
Within the Nishikawa lab, I am contributing to the development of a biomechanical model of the bullfrog by investigating the function and dynamic mechanical properties of the muscles of, first the head, and then the body. With the expert help of Eric Zepnewski, we are busily recording high speed video of the body and head movements during feeding and while generating electromyographical records to test hypotheses concerning patterns of activation during lunging and prey capture movements. We're also performing semi in-situ muscle lever experiments to characterize the properties of the jaw musculature.
A nice photo of a Bullfrog by Niels Bjornson
Project Areas
Gastropods |
Muscle Articulations |
Bullfrogs |
The Heart |
Techniques |