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Creating 3D Cerebral Cortex Stereoscopic Anatomic Model for Virtual Learning
Author(s) -
Patel Shiv,
Patel Niki,
Yang Gongchao,
Cui Dongmei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.01691
Subject(s) - stereoscopy , computer science , cerebral cortex , anatomy , volume rendering , rendering (computer graphics) , computer vision , artificial intelligence , neuroscience , psychology , medicine
Research has shown that three‐dimensional (3D) stereoscopic virtual anatomic models can help students understand the complex spatial relationships of human structures that are not easily accessible via dissection. For instance, the cerebral cortex is located within the cranial vault; however, it can be difficult to view the relationship between the cerebral cortex and skull via dissection. This project goes into discussing the creation of a 3D stereoscopic model of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex model was segmented via Amira 5.6 software from computed tomography angiography (CTA) data. Amira 5.6 surface rendering methods were used to create the cerebral cortex, and volume rendering methods were used to create the skull. The segmentations were performed using the axial view and paintbrush tools in Amira 5.6 along with the Wacom pen and tablet. After completing the initial segmentation across 155 slides, the CTA scans were compiled in Amira 5.6 to create the 3D model of the cerebral cortex. A smoothing filter was then applied to the initial surface render of the cerebral cortex to smooth the transition from slide to slide. The cerebral cortex model generated can be viewed from any angle at any magnification level. In addition, the model can also be overlayed orthoslice CTA data to allow the user to have a stronger understanding of the relationship between each individual two‐dimensional CTA image and the three‐dimensional model. Moreover, the cerebral cortex virtual model can be created into video clips using the Amira 5.6 movie maker, which can be inserted into PowerPoint presentations. As a result, the cerebral cortex virtual model has the potential to be used for online distance anatomical learning, which has become the adopted method of teaching due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. The flexibility of this model allows it to also be used in the classroom setting as a virtual learning tool where students may view the models via a 3D screen with 3D glasses.