"Atlas" - what is it, definition of the term
The term Atlas refers to a bound compilation of maps—geographic, political, and thematic—covering the world or specific regions, often supplemented with charts, tables, and explanatory notes that provide additional statistical or descriptive information for use in navigation, education, and research.
Detailed information
The cartographic compilation dedicated to rodent research presents comprehensive visual documentation of anatomical structures, physiological zones, and developmental stages for both laboratory and wild species. It includes high‑resolution sections of the skeletal system, musculature, nervous pathways, and vascular networks, each annotated with precise nomenclature and scale references.
Key components of the reference work are:
- Skeletal diagrams: full‑body and regional views, highlighting cranial morphology, vertebral count, and limb bone proportions for rats and mice.
- Muscular maps: layered illustrations showing origin, insertion, and fiber orientation of major muscle groups, essential for surgical planning and functional analysis.
- Neuroanatomical charts: detailed depictions of brain regions, spinal cord segments, and peripheral nerves, accompanied by cross‑sectional images for comparative studies.
- Vascular schematics: arterial and venous pathways traced from major vessels to capillary beds, with emphasis on organ‑specific perfusion patterns.
The compilation also supplies reference tables that list standard measurements (e.g., body length, weight ranges, organ dimensions) for adult and juvenile specimens, enabling accurate scaling of experimental models. Color‑coded legends differentiate tissue types and highlight pathological alterations commonly observed in genetic knockout lines.
Application domains include toxicology, pharmacology, developmental biology, and comparative anatomy. Researchers employ the resource to verify specimen identity, calibrate imaging equipment, and design precise interventions. Its digital version offers searchable layers, zoom capabilities, and integration with three‑dimensional modeling software, facilitating advanced morphometric analyses.
Overall, the reference collection serves as an authoritative visual guide for detailed exploration of rat and mouse anatomy, supporting reproducible scientific inquiry across multiple disciplines.