MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
Interactive 3D Mouse Limb Anatomy Atlas
Free data and software for visualising the anatomy of the embryonic mouse forelimb and hindlimb
Background information
The Interactive 3D Mouse Limb Anatomy Atlas is a free, downloadable resource of mouse limb anatomy at embryonic stage (E) 14.5 days gestation. Users build, rotate, magnify, and virtually dissect models of the limb using 3D datasets of real forelimbs and hindlimbs using the JAtlas Viewer program. Individual muscles, tendons, and bones are colour-coded and annotated, and users can manipulate 3D models and generate virtual sections through the specimen.
Why the Atlas was generated
This resource was generated in response to the lack of references available for annotating the structures of the embryonic mouse limb, despite the widespread use of the limb a model for studying tissue patterning.
Annotations were made based on existing published references for adult rat and mouse anatomy. Some muscle naming inconsistencies exist in current anatomy references. We have attempted to standardise muscle names. A glossary of muscle names used in the 3D database and the different names used in other text references are tabulated in two files (see downloads page).
Who the Atlas is aimed at
This resource is aimed for use by developmental biologists interested in limb anatomy, although we encourage other members of the scientific and educational community to use it.
This resource has been generated by
- April DeLaurier, Malcolm Logan, Tim Mohun (NIMR, London)
- Nicholas Burton, Guangjie Feng, Richard Baldock, Duncan Davidson (MRC-HGU, Edinburgh)
© MRC National Institute for Medical Research
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