Functional Anatomy and Physiology

Animal models can provide insight into the pathophysiology of disease mechanisms, and provide important information for translational medicine and the testing and treatment of novel therapies. The laboratory rat is widely studied for its similarities to diseases in humans. An understanding of species-specific features is critical for the development of sound experimental design and reproducibility. This chapter gives an overview of the most important anatomical structures of the laboratory rat, and highlights those that are unique to the rat as a species. An additional goal is to describe the anatomical and physiologic features that make the rat of particular value as an animal model in research. The chapter is divided into subcategories by organ system. Each subsection presents a summary of gross anatomy and organ function, along with selected features of normal microscopic anatomy and physiology. The chapter information is not intended to be comprehensive, but is meant to provide a starting point for scientists and veterinarians who work with the rat in a research setting to learn and review basic information.