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Rat Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 08:32, 23 July 2008
, 08:32, 23 July 2008→Mammary Gland
* Care not to stress mother or she may cannibalise the young.
* Care not to stress mother or she may cannibalise the young.
== Mammary Gland ==
== Mammary Gland and Lactation ==
* 6 pairs of mammary glands.
* The rat has 6 pairs of mammary glands.
* Thoracic and inguinal glands act as two discrete complexes, separated by a space just behind the ribs.
* Thoracic and inguinal glands act as two discrete complexes, separated by a space just behind the ribs.
** During lactation, the thoracic glands expand rostrally as far as the [[Oral_Cavity_-_Salivary_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Major_Salivary_Glands|parotid and mandibular glands]].
** During lactation, the thoracic glands expand rostrally as far as the [[Oral_Cavity_-_Salivary_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Major_Salivary_Glands|parotid and mandibular glands]].
** Inguinal gland covers the lateral abdominal wall back to the stifle and anal region.
** Inguinal gland covers the lateral abdominal wall back to the stifle and anal region.
* At the base of each teat the transition zone between hairless and hair has large sebacious glands.
* At the base of each teat the transition zone between hairless and hair has large sebacious glands.
=== Cervical gland ===
* Rudimentary
=== Thoracic gland ===
* Diffuse.
* Contains 3 nipples
* Surrounds the base of the forelimb.
=== Abdominal gland ===
* Only marginally developed.
=== Inguinal gland ===
* Surrounds the base of the hindlimb.
* Contains 3 nipples.