(In this preliminary examination the descriptions in the text need not
be read, except when this is specially directed.)
Wet the hair along a line from the symphysis of the jaw to the pubis.
Part it and make a longitudinal incision through the skin along the
line. Make a transverse incision of the skin five centimeters caudad of
the xiphoid process and reflect the flaps. Incise the body wall from the
last rib to the pelvis along the same line as above and also
transversely. Reflect the flaps without injuring the ligaments of the
bladder. Make an incision through the pectoral muscles between the first
rib and the ventral attachment of the diaphragm and about one centimeter
from the median line. Make a second incision of the muscles from the
cranial end of the first incision along the angles of the ribs to near
the dorsolateral attachment of the diaphragm. Cut the ribs and thoracic
wall along these incisions with strong scissors; connect the two
incisions at their caudal ends, and remove the lateral thoracic wall
thus circumscribed. Note the thoracic and abdominal cavities, separated
by the diaphragm.
Note the following viscera in their fresh condition: