Objectives
• Introduce the general structure, anatomy, and physiology of the cat
• Explore the benefits of using the cat as a model organism for your next mammalian dissection
• Experience the quality of Carolina’s Perfect Solution® specimens
Why Are We Doing a Cat Dissection?
• Learn vertebrate anatomy and morphology
• Discover the structures and processes shared by cats and humans
• Develop a greater appreciation for the complexity of life
Carolina’s Perfect Solution® Specimens
Superior preservation
Superior tissue color and texture
Quality
No dangerous off-gassing
No formalin odor
Safety
Safety Issues
• Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves, goggles, and lab aprons
• Dissection Tools
New tools = sharp scalpels
• Safety Tip
If you are not using an instrument, set it down
Adaptations for Carnivores
Agility…
The long tail
Toes equipped with compressed, hooked, retractile claws
Configuration of the Head
• Elongated jaw forms a muzzle
• Modified teeth
Carefully observe the teeth and compare them to human teeth.
Modification of Teeth
• Canines
• Incisors
• Molariforms (aka carnassial): designed for tearing tendons and ligaments of prey
Specimen Navigation
Frontal plane
Transverse plane
Dorsal
Median sagittal plane
Posterior (caudal)
Ventral
Anterior (cranial)
Proximal
Distal
For dissection by STUDENTS:
Allows for pelt to be placed around cat for storage after
each dissection session
Cutting Lines
For this WORKSHOP:
Exposure of thoracic and abdominal regions for
muscle identification and internal exploration
Cutting Lines
Proper Skinning Technique
Keep scalpels pointing
and cutting toward skin.
Lift and separate from fascia with blunt
instruments.
Muscle Isolation
Opportunity for extensive study of:
• Morphology
• Kinesiology
• General muscle architecture
Muscle types:
• Smooth or striated
• Shape: convergent, strap, fan, or pinnate
• Points of origin and insertion marked by dense connective tissue
Opening the Thoracic Cavity
Use scalpel or scissors to expose throat/neck region and the sternal region.
Be careful to make shallow incisions so that the thyroid and thymus glands remain intact.
Thoracic Cavity
Cut away ribs to open thoracic region.
Observe thymus gland on the anterior surface of the heart prior to removing pericardial sac.
Remove pericardial sac.
Heading to the Abdominal Cavity
Muscle layer is very thin here and structures lie just below the surface.
Using the scissors or scalpel, make a midline incision.
When you reach the genital region, make a lateral incision through the inguinal region on each side.
The Lesser and Greater Omentums
Peritoneal folds that appear like an apron over the abdominal organs.
Have points of attachment at the stomach, liver, small intestine, spleen, and colon.
Serve as fat storage.
Remove carefully along points of attachment.
Small and Large Intestines
Follow the small intestine from the attachment at the stomach.
Note the mesentery and the mesenteric blood vessels.
Note where the small intestine becomes the large intestine.
Viewing the Urogenital System
Cut the large intestine at the lowest point possible in the pelvis.
Reflect the intestines and other abdominal organs up and back or remove them at the top of the stomach to
view the urogenital system.
Notes for Urogenital System
Adrenal glands in cats are more superior and medial than in humans; not directly on the anterior surface of
the kidney.
There is a great convergence of blood vessels and ureters in this area; injection makes this easier to see.
Cleanup Instructions
• KEEP GLOVES ON!
• Place ONLY animal waste in buckets.
• All other trash goes in trash bags.
• Wipe out pans, clean tools, and wipe off tables.
Additional Resources from Carolina
Carolina™ BioLab® Virtual Lab Series
Guide students through an interactive virtual dissection,
teaching internal and external features.
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