A mink is a good specimen for studying human anatomy because it is closely related in internal characteristics to that of a human. Because these features are so closely related, they provide a sort of “blueprint” that can be used to better understand the anatomy of humans. In the muscular system the main differences between minks and humans are mainly the size and shape of each muscle. However, for example, the thunderstorm differs in that it has different locations within the mink and the human. In minks the temporal is located on the dorsal side of the skull while in humans it is located on the posterior side. The muscles of the rhomboid complex also differ in their location. In humans these muscles are located in the upper part of the back while in minks they are located closer to the neck. Another example of different positions is that of the levator scapulae. Although its function is the same, i.e. to elevate the shoulder blades and shoulders, in humans it is located in the upper part of the dorsal part of the body, behind the neck. In minks the levator scapulae is located in the lower back. The main similarities of the muscular system between minks and humans are both the name and functions of the muscles. For example, the masseter lifts the mandible which helps lift the lower jaw to close. Furthermore there are the obliques and the transversus abdominis which encloses the abdomen while the diaphragm separates the thoracic and pelvic cavities. The gastrocnemius muscles also have similar functions between minks and humans which are plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle and flexion of the leg at the knee joint. The main similarity between minks and humans in the digestive system is that they both serve ...... middle of paper ...... Internal body. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from http://www.innerbody.com/image/repmov.html#full-descriptionMap of LifeConvergent Evolution Online. (2007, September 17). "Baculum (Penile Bone) in Mammals": Map of Life. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.mapoflife.org/topics/topic_203_Baculum-(penile-bone)-in-mammals/Mink Intro – Overview of External Anatomy. (n.d.). mreroh.com. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://www.mreroh.com/student/apdocs/Dissection/Intro%20-%20External%20Anatomy.pdf Smith, D. G., & Schenk, M. P. (n.d.). A dissection guide and atlas for mink. Google Books. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://books.google.com/books?id=kifAAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=male+mink+reproductive+system&source=bl&ots=6Q8L-rNG76&sig=L2TpamuuykxepCG7uaLJdmyTeuM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=a-DU8XFA8 OhqAa2yIKYAw&ved =0CF0Q6AEwCA#v=one page&q=male%20mink%20reproductive%20system&f