Dissection of the Mammalian Respiratory System
Student Name:
Name of Group Members:
Date:
Introduction:
In this lab, you will be examining many characteristics of a rat’s anatomy. Dissections help researchers get a 3-dimensional picture of how the systems of a body work together. Now you’ll have the opportunity to see how the respiratory, digestive and circulatory system are arranged spatially.
The Classification of the Rat (Rattus norvegicus):
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Muridae Genus: Rattus Species: Norvegicus
Note:
Dissection does not mean “to cut up.” Rather, it means “to expose for viewing.” Therefore, please follow the instructions outlined in this lab for proper dissection technique and never cut more than is absolutely necessary to expose an organ. Raise structures that you wish to cut with forceps so that you can see what lies underneath. Approach the dissection in a step-like manner. Do not discard any organs until all sections are completed.
Materials: * * Preserved fetal pig * Dissecting pan * Scissors * Scalpel * Forceps * Probe * Twine
Instructions:
Part One: External Anatomy
1. Obtain your rat and observe the general characteristics. Key terms are underlined.
The rat’s body is divided into six anatomical regions: i. Cranial region – head ii. Cervical region – neck iii. Pectoral region – area where front legs attach iv. Thoracic region – chest area v. Abdomen – belly vi. Pelvic region – area where the back legs attach
2. Note the hairy coat that covers the rat and the sensory hairs (whiskers) located on the rat’s face, called vibrissae.
3. The mouth has a large cleft in the upper lip which exposes large front incisors. Rats are gnawing mammals, and these incisors will continue to grow for as long as the rat lives.
4. Note the eyes with the large pupil and the nictitating membrane found at the
Name of Group Members:
Date:
Introduction:
In this lab, you will be examining many characteristics of a rat’s anatomy. Dissections help researchers get a 3-dimensional picture of how the systems of a body work together. Now you’ll have the opportunity to see how the respiratory, digestive and circulatory system are arranged spatially.
The Classification of the Rat (Rattus norvegicus):
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Family: Muridae Genus: Rattus Species: Norvegicus
Note:
Dissection does not mean “to cut up.” Rather, it means “to expose for viewing.” Therefore, please follow the instructions outlined in this lab for proper dissection technique and never cut more than is absolutely necessary to expose an organ. Raise structures that you wish to cut with forceps so that you can see what lies underneath. Approach the dissection in a step-like manner. Do not discard any organs until all sections are completed.
Materials: * * Preserved fetal pig * Dissecting pan * Scissors * Scalpel * Forceps * Probe * Twine
Instructions:
Part One: External Anatomy
1. Obtain your rat and observe the general characteristics. Key terms are underlined.
The rat’s body is divided into six anatomical regions: i. Cranial region – head ii. Cervical region – neck iii. Pectoral region – area where front legs attach iv. Thoracic region – chest area v. Abdomen – belly vi. Pelvic region – area where the back legs attach
2. Note the hairy coat that covers the rat and the sensory hairs (whiskers) located on the rat’s face, called vibrissae.
3. The mouth has a large cleft in the upper lip which exposes large front incisors. Rats are gnawing mammals, and these incisors will continue to grow for as long as the rat lives.
4. Note the eyes with the large pupil and the nictitating membrane found at the