Rat Anatomy and Physiology: Digestive, Reproductive, and Body Regions

what is the role of the cecum

to give plants that are high in cellulose and difficult to digest a place to be temporaily stored while digesting

basic functions of the lvier

- to store energy as glycogen

- break down toxins

- produce bile and digest fats

genus of rat

Rattus

species of rat

norvegicus

Why do rats not need a gall bladder?

Rats don't need a gallbladder because their liver constantly secretes bile, their diet is low in fat per meal, and they eat frequently—so they never need a large, concentrated bile reserve.

Superior

above

inferior

below

Anterior (ventral)

front of the body

posterior

back

medial

toward the midline

lateral

away from the midline

proximal

Closer to the point of attachment

distal

away from the point of attachment

superficial

near the surface

deep

away from the surface

section of small intestine

duodenum, jejunum, ileum

section of the large intestine

ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, cecum, and rectum

How do we preserve the rat between dissection days, and why

wrap the skin and use formaldehyde (preservative)

what are the adaptive advantages of mammals such as rats

- Fur insulation: Fur helps rats maintain a stable body temperature, keeping them warm in cold environments and protecting against heat loss.

- Sensory function: Whiskers are highly sensitive to touch and vibrations. Rats use them to detect objects, navigate tight spaces, and sense nearby predators or prey.

ureter

ovary

oviduct

uterine horn rat

urinary bladder

urethra

bladder rat

seminal vesicle

vas deferens rat

bladder rat

6 regions of rat body

- cranial head

-cervical neck

-pectoral area where front legs attach

-thoracic region chest area

-abdomen belly

-pelvic region area where the back legs attach