1. Thoracic and Abdominal Cavity
Mink Dissection
Thoracic and Abdominal Cavity

2. Objective: Task: Resources
To dissect, observe and identify the structures found within the thoracic and abdominal cavity of the mink.
Task:
Complete the Mink Dissection Handout.
Due by the end of class
Resources
Dissection Tools
Trays
Mink Dissection Power Point with Videos on iPad
Mink Dissection Guide

3. Part 1: The Mouth Read page 26-28 in your mink dissection booklet
Identify the structures of the mouth
Write down the function of each structure
Show Ms. Roderick the structures you found.
Continue onto the next part.

4. Part 2: The Throat Region
Watch this video:
Follow these directions:
With Scissors, cut down the sternomastoid muscle to reveal the trachea. Stop cutting at the pectoralis major
Identify the trachea and larynx
Pull up on the trachea and separate the connective tissue between the trachea and the esophagus
Identify esophagus and the pharynx
Check with Ms. Roderick.
Move on to the next part

5. Part 3: The Thoracic Cavity
Watch this video:
Follow these directions
Cut through the pectoral muscles and into the rectus abdominis
Stop cutting at the fat below the lungs
Cut laterally to both side and spread open the rib cage
Follow the trachea to the lungs
Identify the lungs and the heart

6. Part 3: The Thoracic Cavity
Watch this video:
Separate esophagus from trachea
Separate lungs and heart from the rib cage
Feel the ribs and intercostal muscles
Watch this video:
Identify the pericardial Sac

7. Part 5: The Thoracic Cavity
Watch this video:
Peel away the pericardial sac from the heart
Watch this video:
Feel the lungs and the heart
Identify the Diaphragm

8. Part 3: The Abdominal Cavity
Watch this Video:
Carefully cut down the linea alba of the Rectus abdominis
Cut laterally and anteriorly (towards the head) along the external obliques
Watch this video:
and this video:
Identify the Liver
Identify the Greater Omentum
Identify the Spleen
Watch this Video:
Identify the Mesentary
Identify the Small Intestines

9. Part 3: Abdominal Section
Watch this video:
Look under the small intestines and locate the kidneys
Identify the large intestines
Identify the stomach (Under the liver)
Identify the Gall Bladder (feels like a little pouch)

10. Part 4: Removing Organs
Watch this video:
Snip across the trachea
Gently separate trachea and esophagus
Cut the blood vessels attached to the abdominal cavity
Remove the heart and lungs
Feel free to separate the lungs from the hear
Watch this video:
Cut through the diaphragm and continue following the esophagus
Pull/cut liver out of the abdominal cavity

11. Part 4: Removing Organs
Watch this video to review organs:
Watch this video:
Cut through the diaphragm until you can see the esophagus attaching to the stomach
Remove your greater Omentum
Pull apart the mesentery to unwind the small intestines
Identify all the parts of the alimentary canal

12. Clean Up Directions
Return all organs into their correct locations of the mink body cavity
Do not just throw them in randomly
Carefully wrap your mink in the paper towels
Carefully return your mink into the plastic bags.
Return mink to the box
Clean trays and dissection tools
Spray and wipe down tables
Throw away all paper towels