Keep in mind that the red-lined trash can in the back of
the lab is for "meat", and the one in the front is "vegetarian." Do not throw gloves,
plastic, paper towels, etc. in the "carnivorous" can, and don't throw bits of skin,
fat, etc. into the "vegetarian." Remember those human bones...? ;)
If you still have time and you're feeling especially ambitious, you may want to proceed to the head and neck musculature if you get done with the others. You'll then be finished with the cat muscles and can start right into the shark next week. Just a suggestion.
The muscles of the shoulder, in particular,
need a lot of patient cleaning-up. After you first peel back the skin,
distinct separate muscles may not be visible at all; you'll just need
to keep pulling at the overlying connective tissue until the borders
become visible.
The Pectoralis Major usually takes up a smaller
area than the Pectoralis Minor. Again, these are named according to
human terminology rather than veterinary, so that's why there's a
difference between the names and the actual sizes. Don't let it confuse
you.
The Intercostals are best seen just below the
Serratus Dorsalis, rather than on the ventral side as the book shows.
The External Intercostals are the outer layer; the layer just below,
where the muscle fibers run in a different direction, are the Internal
Intercostals. Just make an incision right alongside one of the ribs
to see them.
You will need to memorize the muscle
attachments (origin=proximal attachment; insertion=distal attachment),
as well as their functions. If you can visualize where the muscle lies,
where it attaches, and how the fibers run, you can get a good idea of
its action when it contracts. Remember that muscles always pull, never
push. Compare the muscles you're working on, to the cat skeletons set
up in front of you, and picture them moving the bones.
Nothing directly to do with the course ... this section will have an occasionally-changing recommendation for books of general scientific interest - guided by the whimsy of the web-site maintainer, of course. :) This week's pick is:
The Immense Journey by Loren Eiseley
(A collection of essays on evolution and natural history, written with a unique blend of
science and poetry. A book to experience as well as to learn from.)
