Use of invertebrate animals to teach physiological principles

Experiments with invertebrate animals offer valuable opportunities in the teaching of physiology. In some cases, exercises that use these animals may demonstrate physiological principles more clearly than experiments that use vertebrates. Other experiments are easy to perform because of the latitude of conditions in which the tissues of many invertebrates function. Experiments with invertebrates can also illustrate a far wider range of physiological mechanisms than occurs in vertebrates and are especially suited for opportunities for independent original investigation by the students. Since at this time invertebrates are underutilized in teaching, much can be gained by the design, testing, and dissemination of innovative experimental protocols for student use.