External Features of the Rat

Step 2: Locate the vibrissae (whiskers) and the pinna (ears). Rats are gnawing mammals and two large incisors should be visible. Eyes are usually pink or black with a black pupil and covered by a nictitating membrane.

rat head

The sex of the rat can be determined by looking for external testes, found on males and the presence (or absence) of teats, which are only found on female rats.

rat teats

Female rat, urogenital opening visible between legs.

male rat

Male Rat

Go to Step 3: Removal of the Skin of the Rat to Expose the Muscles