Virtual body structure: a three-dimensional tool

Understanding of the visuospatial aspects of anatomic stmctures is one of the most important goals of gross anatomy. Generation of realistic three-dimensional structures of human anatomy has thus been a dream of medical doctors and computer scientists. In this paper, we describe a PC-based system in which a user can select any anatomical structure, create its three-dimensional model, and then visualize and manipulate it as needed.

We use segmented and classified Visible Human Male data and an advanced, open-architecture, graphics package to implement the system. The package makes it possible to quickly develop an integrated, scalable, environment while working at a higher level than the standard OpenGL techniques. The texture-mapping and animation features of the system allow visualization of the three-dimensional model(s) being built, providing a fundamental learning experience of 'building virtual body structure" in the mind.

The system is currently being adapted to serve in a next generation Internet educational system for anatomy and surgery, helping to provide a validation of the use of computer graphics in the computer-assisted medical training.