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bodypartssmall.jpg

The rat's body is divided into six anatomical regions:


  • cranial region (head)
  • cervical region (neck)
  • pectoral region (area where the front legs attach)
  • thoracic region (chest area)
  • abdomen (belly)
  • pelvic region (area where the back legs attach)

Notes of interest

  • The mouth has a large cleft in the upper lip which exposes large front incisors - these continue to grow for as long as the rat lives.
  • The eyes have large pupils and a nictitating membrane found at the inside corner of the eye.  This membrane can be drawn across the eye for protection.
  • The ears are composed of the external part, called the pinna, and the auditory meatus, the ear canal.