Dissected Rat Anatomy

Neck Region

• Salivary Glands
  • Located in the neck area.
• Lymph Nodes
  • Small round structures located on top of the salivary glands.
• Trachea
  • Ringed structure in the neck.
• Esophagus
  • Positioned next to the trachea.

Thoracic Cavity

• Heart and Arteries
  • Heart: Centrally located.
  • Aorta: Main artery visible post-injection.
  • Carotid Arteries: Two arteries ascending into the neck.
• Lungs
  • Located on either side of the heart.

Diaphragm

• Muscular structure separating the thoracic and abdominal cavities.

Abdominal Cavity

• Liver
  • Median Lobe: Front lobe with a cleft.
  • Left Lateral Lobe: On the left side.
  • Right Lateral Lobe: On the right side.
  • Gallbladder: Absent in rats (present in humans).
• Stomach
  • Connects with the esophagus; curves around to the duodenum.
• Spleen
  • Finger-like structure across the stomach.
• Pancreas
  • Bumpy yellowish gland, not well-preserved.

Intestinal Tract

• Small Intestine
  • Duodenum: First section after the stomach.
  • Jejunum: Curly section with visible mesentery and arteries.
  • Ileum: Final section connecting to the cecum.
• Cecum
  • Large pouch at the end of the small intestine.
  • Humans have an appendix here.
• Large Intestine
  • Ascending Colon: Rises from the cecum.
  • Transverse Colon: Crosses the abdomen.
  • Descending Colon: Leads towards the rectum.

Reproductive System (Female)

• Uterine Horns
  • Tubes part of the reproductive system.
• Ovary
  • Located at the end of the uterine horns.

Urinary System

• Urinary Bladder
  • Small nub connecting to the kidneys.
• Kidneys
  • Organs connected to the bladder via ureters.
• Ureter
  • Tiny tube leading from the kidney to the bladder.