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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.

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