Opening the abdomen
Returning to the prepared carcass, the abdomen is opened first, starting at the level of the xiphoid cartilage.
Pick up the ventral, abdominal wall just below the xiphoid area of the sternum with a pair of rat tooth forceps.
Holding the knife blade upwards, and observing that the intestinal tract has fallen away, continue to cut caudally along the midline.
Complete the procedure by cutting the abdominal wall along the line of the ribs on both sides, to leave a triangular ‘flap’, from the level of the dorsal abdominal wall to the pubis.
At this point, do not cut into any of the abdominal contents. This will be done later.
Opening the thorax
Once the abdominal contents have been exposed, the thoracic cavity can be opened.
Check the thoracic cavity for fluid.
Having cut through both sides of the thorax, gently lift the detached portion (ribs and sternum), cut it away from the diaphragm and separate the fascial attachments between the organs and the thoracic wall.
We will now move on to the next section.