Alternatives Database

Frog Heart

An interactive, menu-driven program which simulates a number of experiments performed on the in situ heart of a pithed frog. High-resolution simulations of the frog heart contractions, derived from real data, are presented on a scrolling display to simulate a chart recorder. The trace may be paused to facilitate measurement of heart rate or to assess changes in the amplitude of atrial or ventricular contraction. Experiments include: the effects of adrenaline, acetylcholine (with physostigmine or atropine), and temperature, together with an investigation of the refractory period and electrical conduction through the heart (Stannius ligatures). Each experiment is prefaced by introductory text and includes an experiment guide and assignments.

Language Versions: English

Recommended System Requirements:

Windows:

• Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit), Windows Server 2003 (32-bit), Windows Server 2008 (32 bit), Windows Vista (32 bit), Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit), Windows 8
• 2.33GHz or faster x86-compatible processor, or Intel Atom 1.6GHz or faster processor for netbooks
• 128MB of RAM (1GB of RAM recommended for netbooks); 128MB of graphics memory
• Internet Explorer 7.0 or later, Mozilla Firefox 4.0 or later, Google Chrome, Safari 5.0 or later, or Opera 11

Mac OS:

• Mac OS X v10.6, v10.7, or v10.8
• Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor
• 256MB of RAM; 128MB of graphics memory
• Safari 5.0 or later, Mozilla Firefox 4.0 or later, Google Chrome, or Opera 11

Target Audience: Undergraduate students of medicine, dentistry and biological sciences.

Price: £250 (multiuser, educational license)