Graphic and movie illustrations of human prenatal development and their application to embryological education based on the human embryo specimens in the Kyoto collection

Abstract

Morphogenesis in the developing embryo takes place in three dimensions, and in addition, the dimension of time is another important factor in development. Therefore, the presentation of sequential morphological changes occurring in the embryo (4D visualization) is essential for understanding the complex morphogenetic events and the underlying mechanisms. Until recently, 3D visualization of embryonic structures was possible only by reconstruction from serial histological sections, which was tedious and time-consuming. During the past two decades, 3D imaging techniques have made significant advances thanks to the progress in imaging and computer technologies, computer graphics, and other related techniques. Such novel tools have enabled precise visualization of the 3D topology of embryonic structures and to demonstrate spatiotemporal 4D sequences of organogenesis. Here, we describe a project in which staged human embryos are imaged by the magnetic resonance (MR) microscope, and 3D images of embryos and their organs at each developmental stage were reconstructed based on the MR data, with the aid of computer graphics techniques. On the basis of the 3D models of staged human embryos, we constructed a data set of 3D images of human embryos and made movies to illustrate the sequential process of human morphogenesis. Furthermore, a computer-based self-learning program of human embryology is being developed for educational purposes, using the photographs, histological sections, MR images, and 3D models of staged human embryos. Developmental Dynamics 235:468 -477, 2006.

Use of Clinical Cases in a Virtual Learning Environment as an Approach to Teaching Human Embryology

“…The rapid sequential and three-dimensional changes that occur simultaneously at the macroscopic and microscopic level make the processes of prenatal development difficult to understand (Yamada et al, 2006). However, the study of these processes is fundamental to provide medical students with a consistent scientific basis that helps them understand the mechanisms involved in normal and abnormal human development, as well as in the clinical and surgical treatment of malformations (Moraes & Pereira, 2010).…”

“…The approaches used to teach human embryology include wax embryo models, clinical case studies of malformations, images, and videos, among others (Carlson, 2002;Puerta-Fonolla et al, 2004;Yamada et al). In this respect, the use of digital resources combined with the facilities provided by the internet pave the way for new teaching methods in this area.…”

Embryonic Liver Morphology and Morphometry by Magnetic Resonance Microscopic Imaging

“…MR imaging of embryos is highly advantageous (Effmann et al, 1988;Smith et al, 1992;Haishi et al, 2001), providing a resolution of 40 lm/pixel or better with long scan times. Kyoto and Tsukuba Universities began a project in 1999 to acquire 3D MR microscopic images of thousands of human embryos using a super-parallel MR microscope operated at 2.34T Matsuda et al, 2003Matsuda et al, , 2007Yamada et al, 2006).…”

Developmental Anatomy of the Human Embryo – 3D-Imaging and Analytical Techniques

“…Further information on the Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos can be found in Chapter 1. In 1999, Kyoto University and the University of Tsukuba initiated a collaborative project aiming to acquire 3D MR microscopic images of thousands of human embryos using a super-parallel MR microscope operated at 2.34T (Matsuda et al, 2003, Yamada et al, 2006. During the course of the project, over 1,200 human embryos were scanned.…”