What is a dissecting pin used for?

Dissection pins are used to hold the specimen in place during dissection. The pins are placed through the edges of the specimen and into the dissection tray liner. Dissection pins are also used to hold skin and other tissue in place.

When placed properly through a specimen, dissection pins keep the specimen from moving during the cutting and examination. This allows for precise incisions that are necessary when dissecting small specimens. With full-body specimens, the pins are also used to hold skin and other tissue out of the way and to allow access to the internal organs of the specimen.