A mink is a good specimen for studying human anatomy because its internal features are so closely related to those of a human being. Since these features are so closely related, this provides a sort of “template” that can be used to better understand the anatomy of humans. In the muscular system, the main differences between minks and humans lie primarily in the size and shape of each muscle. However, for example, the temporalis differs in that it occupies different locations in mink and humans. In mink, the temporalis is located on the dorsal side of the skull while in humans, it is located on the posterior side. Additionally, the muscles of the romboideus complex also differ in their location. In humans, these muscles are located in the upper part of the dorsal side while in mink, they are located closer to the neck. Another example of a different location is that of the levator scapula. Although the functions are the same, namely raising the shoulder blades and shoulders, in humans it is located in the upper dorsal side of the body, behind the neck. In the mink, the levator scapula is located lower in the back. The main similarities in the muscular system between minks and humans lie in both the name and functions of the muscles. For example, the masseter elevates the mandible, which helps lift the lower jaw closed. There are also the obliques and transversus abdominis which surround the abdomen while the diaphragm separates the thoracic and pelvic cavities. The gastrocnemius muscles also have similar functions between mink and humans, namely plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle and flexion of the leg at the knee joint. The main similarity between mink and humans in the digestive system is that they both serve. ...... middle of paper ...... InnerBody. Accessed May 26, 2014, from http://www.innerbody.com/image/repmov.html#full-descriptionMap of LifeConvergent Evolution Online. (September 17, 2007). “Baculum (penis 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. (nd). mreroh.com. Retrieved May 27, 2014 from http://www.mreroh.com/student/apdocs/Dissection/Intro%20-%20External%20Anatomy.pdfSmith, DG and Schenk, MP (nd). A dissection guide and mink atlas. Google Books. Accessed 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=aa-DU8X. FA8OhqAa2yIKYAw&ved =0CF0Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=male%20mink%20reproductive%20system&f