Zoology: Rat Dissection Quiz

Salivary Glands

Glands that secrete saliva into the oral cavity. Function to lubricate and start the process of digestion. Major ones in mammals are the paraotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.

Esophagus

Connection between the oral cavity and the digestive tract.

Stomach

Enlarged compartment of the digestive tract located between the esophagus and the small intestine where food is temporarily stored and digestion is initiated.

Small intestine

First portion of the digestive tract after the stomach. Site of digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Pancreas

Glandular overgrowth of the duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). Responsible for secretion of various digestive enzymes. Also plays a role within the endocrine system (insulin production)

Caecum

A pouch extending off the beginning portions of the large intestine. Houses bacteria, which assist in the breakdown of cellulose.

Large intestine

Located after the small intestine. Mainly the colon, which extends from the small intestine or caecum to the anus.

Rectum

End of the digestive tract through which solid wastes are deposited.

Liver

Large, lobed organ located towards the anterior portion of the abdominal cavity. Responsible for the secretion of bile (in most vertebrates through the gallbladder, but the gallbladder is absent in the rat), detoxification of substances and various roles related to metabolic processes.

Kidney

Paired organ located dorsally on both sides of the median portion of the abdominal cavity. Responsible for removing waste products. (i.e., nitrogenous wastes) from the blood and the production of urine.

Adrenal gland

Glandular mass located on the anterior portion of the kidney in mammals. Responsible for the secretion of hormones that regulate physiological adjustments to stress, sexual development, and the metabolism of nutrients.

Urethra

The duct that carries urine from the bladder to the outside opening of the urogenital tract. In males, also responsible for the passage of sperm.

Urinary bladder

A thin-walled, sac like structure, which is responsible for the accumulation and storage of urine from the kidneys before being discharged outside of the body. Will not contain urine in most of the preserved specimens.

Diaphragm

A muscular separation between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Serves as the chief muscle for respiration.

Trachea

The respiratory connection between the larynx and the lungs. Check for cartilaginous or ossified rings which serve to keep the passage open.

Lungs

Paired sac-like organs responsible for gas exchange between the air and the blood.

Heart

Muscular organ consisting of ventricles and atria which pumps blood throughout the body.

Carotid arteries

Large neck arteries supplying blood to the cranium.

Internal jugular veins

Paired veins located in the neck responsible for the return of de-oxygenated blood from the cranium to the lungs.

Renal artery

Artery responsible for oxygenated blood supply to the kidneys.

Renal vein

Vein responsible for the return of de-oxygenated blood from the kidneys to the heart and lungs.

Spleen

Large lymphoid (immune system) organ located near the left side of the stomach. Responsible for the storage of blood, blood volume regulation, and removal of dead blood cells. Also functions to fight infections through the generation of white blood cells and antibodies.

Vesicular gland

A genital gland in males, which contributes to the production of the seminal fluid (also termed seminal vesicle)

Prostate

A genital gland in males surrounding the urethra prior to the urinary bladder. Responsible for the production of much of the seminal fluid.

Epididymis

A band shaped group of tubules lying on the testes in which sperm is stored and where the sperm matures.

Testes

The male reproductive organ responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.

Scrotum

A sac-like structure which houses the paired mammalian testes external to the body wall.

Ovaries

Paired reproductive organ containing the ovarian follicles and eggs.

Uterus

Paired organs in which embryos develop in viviparous species (live born).

Uterine horns

Characteristics of rats, female reproductive trait which allows them to reproduce FAST