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 anatomies of several of the commonly employed animal models for preclinical research (dog, pig, and sheep). General comparisons focus on several specific anatomical features: the atria, ventricles, valves, coronary system, lymphatics, and the conduction system. Finally, we present novel qualitative and quantitative data obtained from perfusion-fixed specimens of these commonly used animal models.