Vol 70, No 3 (2011)
Original article
Published online: 2011-08-24
Computerised 3-D anatomical modelling using plastinates: an example utilising the human heart
Folia Morphol 2011;70(3):191-196.
Abstract
Computerised modelling methods have become highly useful for generating electronic
representations of anatomical structures. These methods rely on crosssectional
tissue slices in databases such as the Visible Human Male and Female,
the Visible Korean Human, and the Visible Chinese Human. However, these databases
are time consuming to generate and require labour-intensive manual
digitisation while the number of specimens is very limited. Plastinated anatomical
material could provide a possible alternative to data collection, requiring less
time to prepare and enabling the use of virtually any anatomical or pathological
structure routinely obtained in a gross anatomy laboratory. The purpose of this
study was to establish an approach utilising plastinated anatomical material,
specifically human hearts, for the purpose computerised 3-D modelling. Human
hearts were collected following gross anatomical dissection and subjected to
routine plastination procedures including dehydration (–25oC), defatting, forced
impregnation, and curing at room temperature. A graphics pipeline was established
comprising data collection with a hand-held scanner, 3-D modelling, model
polishing, file conversion, and final rendering. Representative models were viewed
and qualitatively assessed for accuracy and detail. The results showed that the
heart model provided detailed surface information necessary for gross anatomical
instructional purposes. Rendering tools facilitated optional model manipulation
for further structural clarification if selected by the user. The use of plastinated
material for generating 3-D computerised models has distinct advantages
compared to cross-sectional tissue images. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 3: 191–196)
Keywords: plastinationhearthand-held scanner3-D modelling
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