Rat Dissection Lab Report

The objectives of this lab were fulfilled. During the dissection, diagrams of the rat were conducted from several different perspectives including both the dorsal and ventral views. Throughout the dissection, the prior knowledge that was theoretically learned in class, assisted in allowing the group to have a more complete and thorough understanding of the different organs, and parts that were present in the rat. This helped reveal the several different similarities and differences in the circulatory, digestive, and respiratory system when comparing the rat and human. Both similarities and differences between the rat and the human were evident while participating in the dissection. As mentioned before in the introduction, both rats and

While conducting the dissection, only four teeth were observed in the specimen, which consisted of the two incisors on the top, and two on the bottom. However, subsequent to the dissection it was noted that rats possess 16 teeth consisting of both incisors and molars (website 3, 2004). Humans possess 32 teeth that consist of 12 molars, of which four are wisdom teeth. Nowadays, several people are getting their wisdom teeth removed, which is somewhat due to the fact that they have become “useless” throughout the years. Modern diets consist of softer foods, which have eliminated the purpose of wisdom teeth that were once distinct (website 4, 2007). However, due to the rat’s diet consisting of “rough” foods, all 12 of its molars are useful in providing more “chewing power”, and force. Another difference that was between the rat and the human that was observed in the dissection was the size of the caecum (see figure1). One of the main purposes of the caecum is to digest cellulose. Rats