Comparative Cardiac Anatomy.

The need for appropriate animal models to conduct translational research is vital for advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. The choice of animal model to be employed must be critically evaluated. In this chapter, we present the comparative cardiac anatomy of several of the commonly employed animal models (dog, pig, and sheep). A general comparison focuses on several specific anatomic features: the atria, the ventricles, the valves, the coronary system, lymphatics, and the conduction system. Finally, we present novel qualitative and quantitative data that we have obtained from perfusion fixed specimens of the most commonly used animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]