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In this study, we presented movable surface models to help medical students understand the multiaxial movements of the hip joint. The secondary objective was to demonstrate a simple method to make movable surface models for other researchers. We used 166 surface models of the virtual human, and the commercial software was used for all the processes described in this study. Virtual joints were created for the hip joint of the surface models to simulate realistic movements of the joints. Bone surface models were processed to maintain the original shape of the bones during movement. Muscle surface models were processed to express deformation of the muscle shapes during movement. Next, the muscle and bone surface models were moved over six movements of the hip joint (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation). The surface models of these six movements were saved and packaged in a PDF file. The PDF file enabled users to see the stereoscopic shapes of the bones and muscles of the hip joint and to scrutinize the six movements on the X, Y, and Z axes of the joint. The movable surface models of the hip joint of this study will be helpful for medical students to learn the multiaxial movements of the hip joint. We expect to develop simulations of other joints that can be used in the education of medical students using the materials and methods described in this study.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge regarding the hypothalamic nuclei is essential for understanding neuroanatomy and has substantial clinical relevance. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to contribute to elucidate the complex hypothalamic architecture for research and provide an anatomical basis for clinical brain operation. METHODS: In this research, high-resolution and true-color sectioned images from Visible Korean were employed for hypothalamic nuclei and neighboring structures surface modeling, and a high-resolution three-dimensional atlas of the hypothalamus was created. RESULTS: Surface models of 26 structures including the hypothalamic nuclei and its neighboring structures were produced, which contained 5 anterior hypothalamic areas’ nuclei, 4 intermediate hypothalamic areas’ nuclei, 3 lateral hypothalamic areas’ nuclei, and 2 posterior hypothalamic areas’ nuclei, as well as 12 hypothalamic neighboring structures. CONCLUSIONS: The study evaluated the topographical anatomy of the hypothalamic nuclei and its neighboring structures based on true-color and highresolution sectioned images of Visible Korean.

Cranial nerve ganglia, which are prone to viral infections and tumors, are located deep in the head, so their detailed anatomy is difficult to understand using conventional cadaver dissection. For locating the small ganglia in medical images, their sectional anatomy should be learned by medical students and doctors. The purpose of this study is to elucidate cranial ganglia anatomy using sectioned images and three-dimensional (3D) models of a cadaver.One thousand two hundred and forty-six sectioned images of a male cadaver were examined to identify the cranial nerve ganglia. Using the real color sectioned images, real color volume model having a voxel size of 0.4 × 0.4 × 0.4 mm was produced.The sectioned images and 3D models can be downloaded for free from a webpage, anatomy.dongguk.ac.kr/ganglia. On the images and model, all the cranial nerve ganglia and their whole course were identified. In case of the facial nerve, the geniculate, pterygopalatine, and submandibular ganglia were clearly identified. In case of the glossopharyngeal nerve, the superior, inferior, and otic ganglia were found. Thanks to the high resolution and real color of the sectioned images and volume models, detailed observation of the ganglia was possible. Since the volume models can be cut both in orthogonal planes and oblique planes, advanced sectional anatomy of the ganglia can be explained concretely.The sectioned images and 3D models will be helpful resources for understanding cranial nerve ganglia anatomy, for performing related surgical procedures.

Realistic two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) applications for anatomical studies are being developed from true-colored sectioned images. We generated advanced-sectioned images of the entire male body and verified that anatomical structures of both normal and abnormal shapes could be visualized in them. The cadaver was serially sectioned at constant intervals using a cryomacrotome. The sectioned surfaces were photographed using a digital camera to generate horizontal advanced-sectioned images in which normal and abnormal structures were classified. Advanced-sectioned images of the entire male body were generated. The image resolution was 3.3 × 3.3 fold better than that of the first sectioned images obtained in 2002. In the advanced-sectioned images, normal and abnormal structures ranging from microscopic (≥0.06 mm × 0.06 mm; pixel size) to macroscopic (≤473.1 mm × 202 mm; body size) could be identified. Furthermore, the real shapes and actual sites of lung cancer and lymph node enlargement were ascertained in them. Such images will be useful because of their true color and high resolution in digital 2D and 3D applications for gross anatomy and clinical anatomy. In future, we plan to generate new advanced-sectioned images of abnormal cadavers with different diseases for clinical anatomy studies.

When performing deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus, practitioners should interpret the magnetic resonance images (MRI) correctly so they can place the DBS electrode accurately at the target without damaging the other structures. The aim of this study is to provide a real color volume model of a cadaver head that would help medical students and practitioners to better understand the sectional anatomy of DBS surgery. Sectioned images of a cadaver head were reconstructed into a real color volume model with a voxel size of 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm. According to preoperative MRIs and postoperative computed tomographys (CT) of 31 patients, a virtual DBS electrode was rendered on the volume model of a cadaver. The volume model was sectioned at the classical and oblique planes to produce real color images. In addition, segmented images of a cadaver head were formed into volume models. On the classical and oblique planes, the anatomical structures around the course of the DBS electrode were identified. The entry point, waypoint, target point, and nearby structures where the DBS electrode could be misplaced were also elucidated. The oblique planes could be understood concretely by comparing the volume model of the sectioned images with that of the segmented images. The real color and high resolution of the volume model enabled observations of minute structures even on the oblique planes. The volume models can be downloaded by users to be correlated with other patients’ data for grasping the anatomical orientation.

A monkey phantom is of significant value for electromagnetic radiation (EMR) dosimetry simulations. Furthermore, phantoms in various postures are needed because living beings are exposed to EMR in various postures during their daily routine. In this study, we attempted to produce monkey phantoms based on three daily postures of a rhesus monkey. From our Visible Monkey project, we selected surface models with 177 monkey structures. In the surface models, 52 virtual joints were created to allow for changes from the anatomical position to quadrupedal and sitting positions using commercial software. The surface models of the three positions were converted into monkey voxel phantoms. These phantoms were arranged in three positions, and the number of voxels and mass of each structure were analyzed. The phantoms in anatomical, quadrupedal, and sitting positions have a total of 5,054,022, 5,174,453, and 4,803,886 voxels, respectively. The mass of 177 structures in three positions were also calculated based on the number of voxels. By comparing the monkey phantom with the phantom of a female human, we confirmed thicker skin, less fat, heavier muscle, and a lighter skeleton in monkeys than those in humans. Through posture-transformed monkey phantoms, more precise EMR simulations could be possible. The ultimate purpose of this study is to determine the effects of EMR on humans. For this purpose, we will create posture-transformed human phantoms in a following study using the techniques employed herein and the human phantoms from our previous study.

Background To properly utilize the sectioned images in a Visible Monkey dataset, it is essential to segment the images into distinct structures. This segmentation allows the sectioned images to be compiled into two-dimensional or three-dimensional software packages to facilitate anatomy and radiology education, and allows them to be used in experiments involving electromagnetic radiation. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the potential of the sectioned images using the segmented images. Methods Using sectioned images of a monkey's entire body, 167 structures were segmented using Adobe Photoshop. The segmented images and sectioned images were packaged into the browsing software. Surface models were made from the segmented images using Mimics. Volume models were made from the sectioned images and segmented images using MRIcroGL. Results In total, 839 segmented images of 167 structures in the entire body of a monkey were produced at 0.5-mm intervals (pixel size, 0.024 mm; resolution, 8,688 × 5,792; color depth, 24-bit color; BMP format). Using the browsing software, the sectioned images and segmented images were able to be observed continuously and magnified along with the names of the structures. The surface models of PDF file were able to be handled freely using Adobe Reader. In the surface models, the space information of all segmented structures was able to be identified using Sim4Life. On MRIcroGL, the volume model was able to be browsed and sectioned at any angle with real color. Conclusion Browsing software, surface models, and volume models are able to be produced based on the segmentation of the sectioned images. These will be helpful for students and researchers studying monkey anatomy and radiology, as well as for biophysicists examining the effects of electromagnetic radiation., Graphical Abstract