3D reconstruction of chick heart

This image shows a 3D reconstruction of a chick embryonic heart at HH32 (based on chick embryonic staging system developed by Hamburger and Hamilton (HH)). This images was constructed from section data created using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM). This method produces fine histological data by capturing images of the block surface during sectioning - Computor software is subsequently able to create detailed 3D reconstructions from these perfectly aligned serial sections, to show remarkably detailed images of internal heart morphology including chamber trabeculation, valve detail and positioning of vessels.