Introduction

This electronic atlas for the histology and microanatomy of the most common experimental animal, the mouse, is extensive in detail and scope and offers a welcome addition to the mouse reference books available in print.

Hundreds of color photographs covering the histology of all organ systems
Clear diagrams showing the relative positions of the organs
Up-to-date information about the histology and microanatomy of the mouse
Easy access of atlas content via menu and search engine

Students exploring life sciences
Researchers who need a reference book for histology changes observed in genetically engineered mice
Human pathologists who until now have been dependent on experimental biologists for interpretations of phenotypic changes

All histology photographs are of tissues that, unless noted otherwise, have been derived from wild type BALB/c mice. Tissues were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and cut into sections. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E).

Photographs of different magnifications allow for organ recognition and appreciation of the microanatomy. The magnifications shown represent the objectives of a regular laboratory microscope but are not intended to be exact.

The histologic structures are named according to the conventional nomenclature for a particular structure in either English or Latin. If both English and Latin terms are used for a structure (e.g., basal layer and stratum basale), the term that was also used for similar structures was chosen. As an example, stratum basale was chosen rather than basal layer because Latin terms are also used for other skin layers (e.g., stratum corneum).

The atlas covers all mouse organ systems in detail, but simple tissues, including epithelia, connective tissue, and muscle, all of which do not differ between humans and mice, are not described. Users unfamiliar with basic histology are advised to use this atlas in conjunction with veterinary and human histology atlases.

We apologize for any errors that may exist in the atlas and welcome user response. Suggestions and corrections will be included in future editions of the atlas. Upgrades will be offered to users at a nominal price.