Anatomy and Physiology Dissection Guidelines
Dissection is a learning experience. It is a privilege for us to learn anatomy in this manner. You must
remember that certain responsibilities come along with this privilege, the most important of these being
respect. During times of dissection you are expected to treat the specimens with the utmost respect and
reverence. Failure to treat these animals properly will jeopardize your grade and dissection privileges
may be lost. During lab time, you are to work on the specimens. Everyone is expected to contribute to
the dissection team. When done for the day, please place the specimen in the bag and close it tightly.
Newspapers will be used to line tables. Gloves and dissection instruments will be provided. You may wish
to wear and old shirt or smock while working. Make sure your work area is completely cleaned up after
each lab (this too is part of your dissection grade). Dissection instruments must be cleaned and dried
before you return them to your kits. NOTHING is to leave the classroom.
The following is required work for dissection:
1. Lab journal: you must keep a daily journal as you work. Each entry should be dated. It should
include all you did during each lab period; problems, solutions, impressions, what you learned,
etc. It should also include insights and knowledge gained as a result of working on an actual
specimen. Detailed observations of the muscles, organs, etc. including directional terminology
must also be included.
2. Muscle Chart (on the cat): Your journal should also include a chart of all the muscles
identified with their origins, insertions, and actions. This should be an ongoing process. Many
of the dissection manuals have this information.
3. Checklist- Attached is a checklist of structures you must identify. I will initial all structures
you identify. The checklist is to be stapled/taped/glued into your journal.
4. Drawings- A total of two drawings are required. You must make your drawings from your
specimen, not from the book. Drawings are to be done on unlined paper in PENCIL, labeled in
full detail. One drawing must be of the open abdominal and one of the open thoracic cavities.
Tape/staple/glue these into your journal.
5. Comparison Chart- You must make a chart comparing the cat’s or pig’s anatomy with the
human’s in five ways. They can be similarities or differences. They must be clear, anatomical
examples. Do not use such things as “the cat walks on four legs, humans on two”.
6. Worksheet completed – All questions must be answered on the question sheet given to you.
This is to be a part of your project.
7. This is a HUGE part of your semester grade. It will be worth approximately 310points! The
breakdown is as follows:
a. Proper Format (neatness)……………10 points
b. Daily Journal……………………………………60 points
c. Checklist…………………………………………..60 points
d. Comparison Chart……………………………5 points
e. Drawings……………………………………………30 points
f. Worksheets with quest.……………….50 points
g. Lab Practical/Quizzes……………….100 points
TOTAL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>315 pts.
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Anatomy and Physiology
Dissection Checklist for the Cat
MUSCLES
Thoracic/Abdominal (ventral)
Initial
 Pectoralis major
 Pectoralis minor
 External oblique
 Rectus abdominus
 Xiphihumeralis
 External oblique
Forelimb muscles (ventral)
 Triceps brachii
 acromiodeltiod
 Biceps brachii
 Clavobrachialis
Hindlimb (ventral)
 Gracilis
 Adductors (femoris, longus, pectineus)
 Sartorius
 Gastrocnemius
 Tibialis anterior
 Achilles tendon
Back and hindlimb - Dorsal













Clavotrapezius
Levator scapulae ventralis
acromiotrapzius
Latissmus dorsi
spinotrapezius
external oblique
Biceps femoris
Fascia lata
Caudofemoralis
Gastrocnemius
Gluteus maximus
Gluteus medius
Tensor fascia latae
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