The document details the dissection of a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), outlining its classification as part of the phylum Chordata and detailing the organs found within its digestive, excretory, reproductive, thoracic, and skeletal systems. It describes the lengths of the small and large intestines, as well as the visibility of various organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys during the dissection process. Key anatomical features, including the diaphragm's role in separating cavities and the heart's location, are also highlighted.

1. Dissection of Rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Dr. Shabana Naz

2. Classification:
 Phylum : Chordata
 Sub-Phylum : Vertebrata
 Class : Mammalia
 Order : Lagomorpha
 Genus : Oryctolagus
 Species : cuniculus
Oryctolagus cuniculus

3. Digestive System:
The first incision opened up the abdominal cavity. The digestive organs were the
largest and most obvious physical features.
 esophagus
 stomach
 small intestines (265 cm long)
 large intestines (40 cm long)
The initial cut into the abdominal
cavity exposes the small and
large intestines, and the lower
part of the stomach.

4. The organs of the abdominal cavity removed: small and
large intestines, stomach, and the liver.

5. Unraveled, the small intestines
measured approximately 265 cm in
length. The large intestines were 40
cm long.
Cutting into the stomach reveals some of
the rabbit’s last meal. The pH is close to 1.
Pancreas

6. The esophagus connects the
mouth to the stomach. As
such it runs through the
thoracic cavity, behind the
lungs, and through the
thoracic diaphragm to get to
the stomach.
The diaphragm is the sheet of
skeletal muscle used for
breathing that separates the
abdominal and thoracic
cavities.

7. Excretory and Water Regulation Organs:
Also in the abdominal cavity are the excretory/water regulation organs.
 Kidneys
 Urinary Bladder
 ureters (from kidneys)
 urethra (going out)
The kidneys and ureter can
be seen in the abdominal
cavity.

8. The urinary bladder
can be seen in the
lower abdominal
cavity. It is most easily
visible if it still
contains some urine.

9. Reproductive system:
 ovaries
 Uterus
OR
 testes
 penis
Ovary, fallopian tube,
and uterus from
dissected rabbit.

10. Thoracic Cavity:
Cardiovascular system:
The thoracic cavity is opened up after the abdominal cavity by cutting through
the bones of the chest.
 heart
 capillaries
 heart valves
The heart and major arteries (e.g.
the aorta) can be seen in the
thoracic cavity.

11. Respiratory System:
 lungs
 trachaea
 diaphram
Only the organs of the
respiratory system in the
thoracic cavity were identified.
Note that the heart is also
visible, as are the stomach and
liver at the left of the image.

12. Slicing through the lungs
reveals some of its internal
structure.

13. Skeletal System:
 vertebra
 ribs
 sternum
 pelvic girdle
 scapula
 clavicle
Removal of the organs of
the major cavities reveals
the ribs and sternum
(which had to be cut
through to get into the
thoracic cavity) and the
spinal column.

15. Skull:

16. Jaws: