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Introduction To Rat Dissection

This document provides instructions for students to dissect a rat. It begins with an introduction noting that students previously dissected frogs and pigs, and will now examine mammalian anatomy in more detail using a rat specimen. The document provides classification information for rats and describes the dissection tools and techniques to be used. It explains that students will be graded based on participation and completing checkpoints. Finally, it includes a glossary of anatomical terms to know for the dissection and directions to consider each structure's organ system, relationships, functions, and human equivalents.

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178 views1 page

Introduction To Rat Dissection

This document provides instructions for students to dissect a rat. It begins with an introduction noting that students previously dissected frogs and pigs, and will now examine mammalian anatomy in more detail using a rat specimen. The document provides classification information for rats and describes the dissection tools and techniques to be used. It explains that students will be graded based on participation and completing checkpoints. Finally, it includes a glossary of anatomical terms to know for the dissection and directions to consider each structure's organ system, relationships, functions, and human equivalents.

Uploaded by

majanga john
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name ______________________________ Date _________

Dissection of the Rat


Introduction

In this laboratory exercise, the anatomy of the rat will be examined in some detail. You may recall that in your first-year biology
course you dissected a grass frog and a fetal pig. You may recognize and remember structures that you learned during that
dissection. In Biology 3A, a much more detailed look at mammalian
anatomy will be conducted. You will get to know and love your preserved
Dissection
rat over the course of this dissection.

The classification of the Rat Dissecting tools will be used to open the body cavity of the
( Rattus norvegicus) rat and observe the structures. Keep in mind that dissecting
does not mean "to cut up"; in fact, it means, "to expose to
Kingdom Animalia
view". Careful dissecting techniques will be needed to
Phylum Chordata observe all the structures and their connections to other
Subphylum Vertebrata structures. You will not need to use a scalpel. Contrary to
Class Mammalia popular belief, a scalpel is not the best tool for dissection.
Order Rodentia Scissors serve better because the point of the scissors can
Family Muridae be pointed upwards to prevent damaging organs
Genus Rattus underneath. Always raise structures to be cut with your
Species norvegicus forceps before cutting, so that you can see exactly what is
underneath and where the incision should be made. Never
The lab books and diagrams available to you cut more than is necessary to expose a part.
are supplemental. You are expected to follow
the directions in this lab. You will be held responsible for being able to
locate all the structures. You are expected to have exhausted all Grading
possibilities in attempting to located structures before asking for
assistance. Using the available material, instructions and diagrams, most Your grade on this laboratory will be assessed per the class
students will be able to locate many structures for themselves. If after an participation (observed daily) with checkpoints evaluated.
earnest effort, you cannot find a structure, ask for assistance. Remember,
this is a learning experience; it is quite permissible to discuss and observe
other students' specimens. Compare your dissection with others, for Glossary of Terms
animals often differ, be sure to look at animals of the opposite sex, you
will be responsible for both sexes on the lab practical. Dorsal: toward the back / Ventral: toward the belly
Lateral: toward the sides /Median: near the middle
The specimen you will receive is a preserved double-injected specimen. Anterior: toward the head /Posterior: toward the
Double injected refers to the arteries being filled with a red latex, and the hind end (tail)
veins being filled with blue latex. You will notice various incisions on the Superficial: on or near the surface
external surface of the rat where the latex was injected. Deep: some distance below the surface
Sagittal: relating to the midplane, bisects the left
The rat is a vertebrate, which means that many aspects of its structural and right sides
organization are common with all other vertebrates, including man. The Transverse: relating to the plane separating
similarity of structures among related organisms shows evidence of anterior and posterior
common ancestry. In a way, studying the rat is like studying a human. As
Horizontal: relating to the plane separating dorsal
the leading theme of this lab, ask yourself: for every structure observed in
the rat, there is an equivalent structure in your own body - what is the and ventral
structure and where is it located. Proximal: near to the point of reference / Distal: far
from the point
As the second leading theme, pay attention to the relationships among Caudal: toward the tail end
organs and groups of organs. Structural parts are not "just there" in Pectoral: relating to the chest and shoulder region
random locations. Their specific layout within the body contributes to Pelvic: relating to the hip region
making certain functions possible. Therefore, for every structure seen, you Dermal - relating to the skin
should determine the following: Longitudinal - lengthwise

 What organ system it belongs to Right & Left - refers to the specimen's right and
 How it relates to other components left, not yours
 Its general function Abdominal Cavity - related to the area below
 Its specific function (if applicable (posterior) the ribcage
Thoracic Cavity - related to the area above
(anterior) the ribcage

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