True-color 3D rendering of human anatomy using surface-guided color sampling from cadaver cryosection image data: A practical approach.

Abstract

Three-dimensional computer graphics are increasingly used for scientific visualization and for communicating anatomical knowledge and data. This study presents a practical method to produce true-color 3D surface renditions of anatomical structures. The procedure involves extracting the surface geometry of the structure of interest from a stack of cadaver cryosection images, using the extracted surface as a probe to retrieve color information from cryosection data, and mapping sampled colors back onto the surface model to produce a true-color rendition. Organs and body parts can be rendered separately or in combination to create custom anatomical scenes. By editing the surface probe, structures of interest can be rendered as if they had been previously dissected or prepared for anatomical demonstration. The procedure is highly flexible and nondestructive, offering new opportunities to present and communicate anatomical information and knowledge in a visually realistic manner. The technical procedure is described, including freely available open-source software tools involved in the production process, and examples of color surface renderings of anatomical structures are provided.