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Brain Struct Funct (2007) 212:223230 DOI 10.1007/s00429-007-0146-0
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
A detailed 3D model of the guinea pig cochlea
Bo Liu Xiu L. Gao Hong X. Yin Shu Q. Luo Jing Lu
Received: 17 July 2006 / Accepted: 10 May 2007 / Published online: 27 July 2007 Springer-Verlag 2007
Abstract Several partial models of cochlear subparts are available. However, a complete 3D model of an intact cochlea based on actual histological sections has not been reported. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop a novel 3D model of the guinea pig cochlea and conduct post-processes on this reconstructed model. We used a combination of histochemical processing and the method of acquiring section data from the visible human project (VHP) to obtain a set of ideal raw images of cochlear sections. After semi-automatic registration and accurate manual segmentation with professional image processing software, one set of aligned data and six sets of segmented data were generated. Finally, the segmented structures were reconstructed by 3D Slicer (a professional imaging process and analysis tool). Further, post-processes including 3D visualization and a virtual endoscope were completed to improve visualization and simulate the course of the cochlear implant through the scala tympani. The 3D cochlea model contains the main six structures: (1) the inner wall, (2) modiolus and spiral lamina, (3) cochlea
nerve and spiral ganglion, (4) spiral ligament and inferior wall of cochlear duct, (5) Reissners membrane and (6) tectorial membrane. Based on the results, we concluded that ideal raw images of cochlear sections can be acquired by combining the processes of conventional histochemistry and photographing while slicing. After several vital image processing and analysis steps, this could further generate a vivid 3D model of the intact cochlea complete with internal details. This novel 3D model has great potential in teaching, basic medical research and in several clinical applications.
Keywords Cochlea 3D modeling Registration Segmentation Reconstruction Visualization Virtual endoscope
Introduction
The cochlea plays an important role in gathering and transmitting sound; therefore, its morphology and function have been a focal point in research. Since the late 1980s, several researchers have combined the technology of image processing, medical imaging and histological process to model the structures of the cochlea. This combination has directed study of the cochlea into a...