Three-dimensional image and virtual dissection program of the brain made of Korean cadaver.

The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the brain needs to be understood for accurate diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. The brain of a cadaver may not always be available for dissection when it is needed. To overcome this problem, we attempted to create a 3D image and virtual dissection program of the brain using a Korean cadaver. The brain extracted from a Korean male cadaver was embedded in gelatin solution. 130 MRI of the brain were taken and 130 serially-sectioned specimens were made. All of MRI and specimens were inputted into the computer, and 10 brain components were manually segmented. A 3D image and virtual dissection program of the brain was made. Various virtual dissection functions were established, such as 1) sectioning the 3D image of the brain at free angles to represent its plane as a real image, segmented image, and MRI, 2) identifying the brain components represented in the sectioned plane, and 3) rotating the 3D image of the whole brain or the selected brain components at free angles. The resulting virtual dissection program of the brain is helpful in better understanding the 3D location and shape of the brain components and it is expected to be used as a CD-title or through Internet as an educational tool for medical students and doctors.