Dataset: Development of the bronchial tree in Monodelphis domestica (Marsupialia) - data files

The current study uses X-ray computed tomography (µCT) to three-dimensionally reconstruct the bronchial tree of the marsupial Gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). The development of the bronchial tree was examined in 37 animals from embryonic day 13, during the postnatal period (neonate to 57 days) and in adults.in order to reveal the timeline of branching morphogenesis. At birth, the lung of M. domestica has a primitive appearance since it consists of a simple system of branching airways that end in a number of terminal air spaces, lobar bronchioles and first segmental bronchioles are present. During the postnatal period the volumes of the lung and bronchial tree steadily increase and development, differentiation and expansion of the bronchial tree takes place. By 14 days the fundamental bronchial tree consisting of lobar, segmental and sub-segmental bronchioles has been established. A mature bronchial tree, including respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts is present by day 35. During the postnatal period the volumes of the lung and bronchial tree steadily increase and development, differentiation and expansion of the bronchial tree takes place. Branching morphogenesis seems to be highly conservative within mammalian evolution. This Dataset includes all data files of the publication "3D reconstruction of the bronchial tree of the Gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) in the postnatal period" (http://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13928).