3.1 Background and development The gastrointestinal system extends from the oral cavity to the anus and includes the intestines and associated glandular organs. The intestines, liver and spleen arise from…

6.1 Background and development of the male and female reproductive tract The reproductive organs in both sexes are derived principally from embryonic mesoderm and the incorporation of primordial germ cells….

11.1 Background and development The respiratory system consists of the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, major airways and lung parenchyma. The respiratory system is studied routinely in phenotyping studies and in…

9.1 Introduction The lymphoid and haematopoietic system is composed of multiple organs and tissues distributed throughout the body and is responsible for the development of the immune response, and the…

7.1 Introduction The endocrine system is a collection of discrete organs and cells distributed throughout the body whose role is to maintain homeostasis among different organs of the body. They…

8.1 Introduction The nervous system of the mouse is similar to that of other mammals in being divided anatomically and functionally into the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the…

12.1 Background and development The embryonic development of the eye is similar in all species. The retina and pigment layers in the eye derive from neurectoderm, the lens and cornea…

5.1 Background and development The urinary system of the mouse comprises the paired kidneys, urinary bladder, paired ureters and urethra. The murine kidney demonstrates similar structures to those of other…

13.1 Background and development The mouse musculoskeletal system is fundamentally similar to that of other mammals with variations of the skeleton to accommodate rodent-specific features such as the head adaptations…