INQUIRY-BASED DISSECTION RATS!

OBJECTIVES Introduce basic mammalian anatomy using the rat Perform a rat dissection focusing on structure and function Perform a dissection using an inquiry-based approach

WHY A RAT? The rat is a vertebrate, which means that many aspects of its structural organization are common with all other vertebrates. In a way, studying the rat is like studying a human.

WHY A RAT? REMIND YOURSELF: for every structure observed in the rat, there is a equivalent structure in your own body – what is the structure and where is it located.

DURING THE LAB Pay particular attention to the relationships among organs and groups of organs. Structural parts are not “just there” in random locations. Their specific layout within the body contributes to the making certain functions possible.

DURING THE LAB For every structure seen, you should determine the following: What organ system it belongs to How it is connected with other components Its general or specific function

IMPORTANT DISSECTING INFORMATION Dissecting tools will be used to open the body cavity of the rat and observe the structures. Keep in mind that dissecting does NOT mean “to cut up”… it means “to expose to view”. Careful dissecting techniques will be needed to observe all the structures and their connections to other structures.

IMPORTANT DISSECTING INFORMATION Scissors, scalpels and forceps will be used for this dissection Scissors often work better because the point of the scissors can be pointed upwards to prevent damaging organs underneath

IMPORTANT DISSECTING INFORMATION Always raise structures to be cut with your forceps before cutting, so that you can see exactly what is underneath and where the incision should be made. Never cut more than is absolutely necessary to expose a part.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Wear protective equipment Gloves, goggles, and closed toed shoes Sharps (scissors and scalpels) Use sparingly; explore with blunt instruments Safety Tips Set down any unused instrument Long hair pulled back No food/drinks/gum in the lab

TERMS TO KNOW Anterior Posterior Ventral Dorsal Sagittal plane (frontal plane) Transverse plane

PRE-LAB: EXTERNAL ANATOMY 1.Where do rats live? 2.Do rats bear live young? 3.List at least 3 ways in which rats are similar to humans. 4.Describe a rat’s foot structure and for what it might be useful.

PRE-LAB: DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 1.What types of food do rats eat? 2.Do rats hunt for their food? If not, how do they obtain or capture food? 3.What sort of food might a rat be better suited to digest than a human being is?