RAT DISSECTION GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
Rats are often used in dissection classes because they are readily available and they possess the
typical mammalian body plan. Most of what you learn on the rat is applicable to the anatomy of other
mammals, such as humans.
EXTERNAL FEATURES
Refer to the drawing below and identify the indicated structure on the rat prior to skinning.
Vibrissae - also referred to as the "whiskers". They have a sensory function that allows the animal to
judge the size of an opening that it is about to pass through.
, Nares - the nares (plural) or naris (singular) are the external openings into the nasal cavity.
Female urogenital structures
Urethral orifice - is the opening into the urethra (part of the urinary system).
Vaginal orifice - is the opening into the vagina (part of the reproductive system).
Male urogenital structures
Penis - is hidden on the male rat beneath a fold of skin (the foreskin or prepuce).
Scrotum - is a pouch that contains the testes (see the drawing below)
INTRODUCTION
Rats are often used in dissection classes because they are readily available and they possess the
typical mammalian body plan. Most of what you learn on the rat is applicable to the anatomy of other
mammals, such as humans.
EXTERNAL FEATURES
Refer to the drawing below and identify the indicated structure on the rat prior to skinning.
Vibrissae - also referred to as the "whiskers". They have a sensory function that allows the animal to
judge the size of an opening that it is about to pass through.
, Nares - the nares (plural) or naris (singular) are the external openings into the nasal cavity.
Female urogenital structures
Urethral orifice - is the opening into the urethra (part of the urinary system).
Vaginal orifice - is the opening into the vagina (part of the reproductive system).
Male urogenital structures
Penis - is hidden on the male rat beneath a fold of skin (the foreskin or prepuce).
Scrotum - is a pouch that contains the testes (see the drawing below)
