Virtual cerebral ventricular system: An MR‐based three‐dimensional computer model

Abstract

The inherent spatial complexity of the human cerebral ventricular system, coupled with its deep position within the brain, poses a problem for conceptualizing its anatomy. Cadaveric dissection, while considered the gold standard of anatomical learning, may be inadequate for learning the anatomy of the cerebral ventricular system; even with intricate dissection, ventricular structures remain difficult to observe. Three-dimensional (3D) computer reconstruction of the ventricular system offers a solution to this problem. This study aims to create an accurate 3D computer reconstruction of the ventricular system with surrounding structures, including the brain and cerebellum, using commercially available 3D rendering software. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a male cadaver were segmented using both semiautomatic and manual tools. Segmentation involves separating voxels of different grayscale values to highlight specific neural structures. User controls enable adding or removing of structures, altering their opacity, and making cross-sectional slices through the model to highlight inner structures. Complex physiologic concepts, such as the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, are also shown using the 3D model of the ventricular system through a video animation. The model can be projected stereoscopically, to increase depth perception and to emphasize spatial relationships between anatomical structures. This model is suited for both self-directed learning and classroom teaching of the 3D anatomical structure and spatial orientation of the ventricles, their connections, and their relation to adjacent neural and skeletal structures.

Visualizing the structure and the evolving of digital medicine: a scientometrics review

“…Virtual anatomy presents an interactive 3D virtual reality computer model for both self-directed learning and classroom teaching. The model can be projected stereoscopically, to increase depth perception and to emphasize spatial relationships between anatomical structures (Burdett et al 2010;Park et al 2010b;Low et al 2011;Thomas et al 2011;Ribitsch et al 2010;Adams and Wilson 2011;Keedy et al 2011). After 2005, the number of clusters of each year and the size of each cluster decreases sharply.…”

Contribution of Virtual Anatomic Models to Medical Education

“…Natural dimensional complexity of human cerebral ventricular system and its deep position within the brain make difficulties in revealing the anatomy of this system (Adams and Wilson, 2011).…”

Simplified three-dimensional model provides anatomical insights in lizards' caudal autotomy as printed illustration

“…A number of different techniques are available to digitalize a solid form, such as 3D-MRIs or CTscans, maximum intensity projection (MIP), highresolution digital photographs of cross-sections, weighted distance transform (WDT), stereoscopic view, inter alios (Johnson et al 1998, Anastasi et al 2007, Kerwin et al 2010, Lu et al 2010, Adams and Wilson 2011, Moreno et al 2012, Ribaupierre and Wilson 2012, most of which rely upon digital imaging devices or resort to previously gathered medical records and images, vastly available in a number of databases for human beings, but not quite as much for animals.…”