Creating a high-resolution spatial/symbolic model of the inner organs based on the Visible Human

Computerized three-dimensional models of the human body, based on the Visib le Human Project of the National Library of Medicine, so far do not reflect the rich anatomical detail of the original cross-sectional images. In this paper, a spatial/symbolic model of the inner organs is developed. which is based on more than MOO cryosections and congruent fresh and frozen CT imag es of the male Visible Human. The spatial description is created using colo r-space segmentation, graphic modeling, and a matched volume visualization with subvoxel resolution. It is linked to a symbolic knowledge base, provid ing an ontology of anatomical terms. With over 650 three-dimensional anatom ical constituents, this model offers an unsurpassed photorealistic presenta tion and level of detail. A three-dimensional atlas of anatomy and radiolog y based on this model is available as a PC-based program. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BY All rights reserved.