Kaufman's Atlas of Mouse Development Supplement, 2nd ed

Advances in 3D imaging, genetic engineering, and molecular profiling have transformed our understanding of mammalian heart development. New techniques have provided more resolution to map different cell populations, and to visualize the changes in heart structure throughout development in 3D. Compared to conventional histology, higher sample numbers can be processed by 3D imaging. Each of them can be analysed from any view point, revealing transformations that may be subtle, transient or quantitative. Together, these advances have shed new light on several of the decisive events that transform the initial pulsatile tube into a mature heart, with a double blood circulation connected to the body vasculature by its great vessels. Here, we summarize current understanding of the formation and alignment of the septal structures between the left and right heart, the origins of the pulmonary and systemic veins, and development of the valves. Anatomical knowledge is essential to permit accurate phenotyping of heart malformations. Because its cardiac anatomy is very similar to humans, the mouse stands as a fundamental model to study pathological mechanisms of structural congenital heart defects.