3D computer modeling of human cardiogenesis.

We obtained digitized histological serial sections of three human embryos of different stages from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology from which contours of cardiac structures were digitally traced. Traces were placed in register for the construction of wire frame models using Silicon Graphics Incorporated 3D computer modeling software (Alias/Wavefront) and for surface rendering to demonstrate internal and external developmental anatomy. The models allowed stage-to-stage morphing and physical model construction using stereolithography. These innovations in embryo reconstruction not only facilitate medical education, they also serve as new tools for scientific investigation of cardiogenesis and congenital heart disease.