This application is designed to provide a user-friendly way for students of cardiac embryology to interact with a 3D virtual embryonic heart. The application is a free, educational learning module that addresses the complexity of heart formation. The user will begin with an instructional video informing them how to use the application. They will then progress through a series of scenes that will facilitate their learning. The user will begin with a brief overview of heart anatomy, then they will be able to interact with the embryonic heart models. There are five heart models. The first allows the user to learn about normal embryonic development focused on the conotruncal septation event. The next four models address issues that arise when the conotruncal septation event goes awry, resulting in four congenital cardiac defects. The defects discussed in this application are Tetrology of Fallot, Transposition of the Great Vessels, Membranous Interventricular Septum Defects, and Truncus Arteriosus. Learning objectives are also included.
*Disclaimer: This application is intended purely for educational purposes and should not be used for any clinical diagnoses, treatments, or any other medical or healthcare related purposes.*
The educational content of this application has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Lisa Lee, PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.