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Virtual Osteology: Developing the biological profile of the 3D Visible Human Male Skeleton
Author(s) -
Ford Jonathan M,
Decker Summer J,
Hilbelink Don R
Publication year - 2009
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.23.1_supplement.649.1
Subject(s) - osteology , skeleton (computer programming) , human skeleton , metric (unit) , vrml , computer science , virtual reality , anatomy , artificial intelligence , biology , engineering , operations management
Three‐dimensional (3D) imaging technology can be used to create accurate virtual computed models of anatomical structures for a wide range of educational and research activities. The purpose of this study was to produce a biological profile based on anthropological assessment of a 3D computed model of the skeleton of the Visible Human Male (VHM). Using previously validated methodologies, a virtual model of the skeleton was computed, measured and a biological profile developed and compared to that of the known information of the VHM. Computed 3D skeletal models were produced from the image data available from the Visible Human Project. Seventy eight anthropometric measurements were selected from an index of standard landmarks used in establishing a profile in skeletal analysis. Non‐metric traits used in the assessment of age, sex and ancestry were also examined. Once the anthropological analysis was complete, the profile (Caucasian male between 35‐45 years old, approximately 70 inches tall) was found to be consistent with the known information from the VHM. Using the virtual model, a life size replica of the skeleton was 3D printed, measured and its accuracy validated using previous results. As a result of the study, both a virtual and an accurate life size model of the VHM skeleton were produced. This resource can be utilized for teaching osteology to a wide variety of biological sciences such as anatomy and anthropology. Grant Funding Source N/A