Rat Dissection Manual
Rats are a great, economical choice for a dissection specimen for beginning anatomy students. Preserved rats are inexpensive, easily skinned, and have highly-developed muscles that are very comparable to those of humans. This Google Slides presentation is designed for students to refer to as they dissect through the different systems of the rat, from muscular to circulatory.
- Anatomical terms gives students practice using the most common anatomical terms used in rat dissections. This include differentiating between left and right (from the specimen's perspective), cranial, caudal, dorsal, and lateral.
- The Muscular System helps students identify all of the major surface muscles of the rat. With the exception of the internal abdominal oblique, no deep muscles are covered.
- The Respiratory System covers the larynx, trachea, lobes of the lungs, and diaphragm. A diagram with the thymus is shown, along with one without the thymus.
- The Digestive System includes the entire gastrointestinal tract, from esophagus through the stomach and all the segments of the small and large intestines. Accessory glands and structures are also covered.
- The Circulatory System covers the heart as well as the largest and most visible arteries and veins, including all the major branches off the aorta and vena cavas.
- The Urogenital Systemincludes both male and female reproductive organs, as well as the kidneys, ureter, and bladder.
A full, printable workbook of of line art diagrams for students to practice labeling and coloring is available for sale here. Use the links to the left to access sample pages with watermarks for each section.
