How to disassemble a dog by composition? - briefly
To disassemble a dog by its composition, one must consider both external and internal structures. Begin with the skin, which covers the entire body, followed by the underlying muscles that provide movement. Then, remove the bones, which form the skeletal system, and finally examine the organs within the body cavity, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system.
How to disassemble a dog by composition? - in detail
Dissecting a dog involves meticulous attention to detail and understanding of canine anatomy. To perform this task comprehensively, one must follow a systematic approach.
Firstly, ensure you have all necessary equipment: scalpels, scissors, forceps, tweezers, pins, dissecting tray, and appropriate protective gear such as gloves and eyewear. Begin by positioning the dog on its back in a supine position. Make an incision starting from the sternum, running ventrally to the pubic symphysis. This allows access to the abdominal cavity.
Carefully lift the skin and subcutaneous tissue away from the underlying muscles. Use blunt dissection techniques to separate these layers without damaging the muscle fibers. Once separated, you can pin back the skin to expose the musculature.
Next, locate and cut through the rectus abdominis muscles. These muscles run vertically along the ventral body wall. By cutting through them, you gain access to the peritoneal cavity containing the visceral organs. Reflect the peritoneum to expose the internal organs.
Begin with the liver, which is typically the largest organ in the abdominal cavity. Gently lift and cut through any attachments to remove it entirely. Proceed to the stomach, intestines, and spleen. Carefully dissect these organs, noting their connections and anatomical relationships.
Move on to the thoracic cavity by making a median incision through the diaphragm. This will allow you to access the heart and lungs. Reflect the ribs if necessary to gain better visualization. Remove the heart by cutting through the great vessels, and carefully dissect the lungs from their attachments.
For the pelvic region, make an incision through the perineum to expose the urinary bladder and reproductive organs. Carefully dissect these structures, noting any abnormalities or adhesions.
Finally, examine the spinal cord by making a dorsal incision along the vertebral column. Remove the vertebrae to access the spinal cord. Be cautious not to damage the delicate neural tissues during this process.
Throughout the dissection, maintain meticulous notes and observations. This will aid in understanding the complexities of canine anatomy and any pathological findings present.