Journal Article

An interactive three-dimensional digital atlas and quantitative database of human development

Hagoort, Jaco, Christoffels, Vincent M., Oostra, Roelof-Jan, de Bakker, Bernadette S., de Bree, Karel, de Kanter, Froukje E., Bais, Babette, Schildmeijer, Reggie, Ruijter, Jan M., Besselink, Clara T., Veldhuis, Tyas, de Jong, Kees H., Moorman, Antoon F. M.

2016

Overview

The detailed morphology of human development has intrigued scientists and the medical field alike. However, the scarcity of specimens hampers detailed mapping of tissue architecture. Furthermore, inaccuracies in the description of human development have crept into textbooks from observations of animal models that are extrapolated to humans. By mapping normal developmental processes and patterns, such as the growth and relative placement of organs, congenital anomalies can be better understood. de Bakker et al. generated interactive three-dimensional digital reconstructions based on the Carnegie collection of histologically sectioned human embryos spanning the first 2 months of gestation. These interactive models will serve as educational and scientific resources for normal and abnormal human development. Science , this issue p. 10.1126/science.aag0053 Interactive three-dimensional models unveil early human development. Current knowledge about human development is based on the description of a limited number of embryonic specimens published in original articles and textbooks, often more than 100 years ago. It is exceedingly difficult to verify this knowledge, given the restricted availability of human embryos. We created a three-dimensional digital atlas and database spanning the first 2 months of human development, based on analysis of nearly 15,000 histological sections of the renowned Carnegie Collection of human embryonic specimens. We identified and labeled up to 150 organs and structures per specimen and made three-dimensional models to quantify growth, establish changes in the position of organs, and clarify current ambiguities. The atlas provides an educational and reference resource for studies on early human development, growth, and congenital malformations.

• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science,The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subject: Animal models / Atlases as Topic / Cardiovascular system / Congenital defects / Database design / Digital / Digital broadcasting / Education / Embryo, Mammalian - anatomy & histology / Embryology / Embryonic Development / Embryonic growth stage / Embryos / Evolution & development / Human Body / Human populations / Humans / Imaging, Three-Dimensional / International standards / Mathematical models / Organs / Pregnancy / Quantitative analysis / Reconstruction / RESEARCH ARTICLE SUMMARY / Scientists / Skeletal system / Textbooks / Visible Human Projects