Do Rats Have Bones in Their Bodies?
WouterThere is a common misconception that rats do not have bones in their bodies. In fact, rats have a bony skeleton, joints, and cartilage. These bones are visible in the rat’s tail. The tail contains a layer of bones, tendons, and skin. Despite this common misconception, rats do have bones, which make their tails extremely sensitive and help them regulate body temperature.
Rats also have testes, which are located in the male’s scrotum. Each testicle contains a coiled tube called the epididymis that collects sperm. Rats have a total of 223 bones, which is more than any other rodent. Their long bones are partially fused with their fibula and tibia, and are used to form their outer limbs between the femur and tarsus.
Rats’ ability to squeeze through narrow holes is what has led to the myth that they do not have bones. While many people believe that a rat does not have bones, a recent study showed that they have a complete skeletal system. X-rays of rats’ bodies have shown a rib cage, spine, leg bones, and even tiny digits on their feet.
Rat skulls are very similar to those of humans, although the rat cranium is wider and more rounded. They also have unpaired occipitals and interparietals, which form the posterior wall of the cranial cavity. Lastly, rats also have nasals and frontals, which cover the anterior parts of the brain. Their premaxillae and maxillae form the upper jaw and face.
