3D Models as a Source for Neuroanatomy Education: A Stepwise White Matter Dissection Using 3D Images and Photogrammetry Scans

André S B Oliveira; João Vitor A Fernandes; Vera Louise F A Figueiredo; Luciano C P C Leonel; Megan M J Bauman; Michael J Link; Maria Peris-Celda

doi:10.1007/s10548-024-01058-y

3D Models as a Source for Neuroanatomy Education: A Stepwise White Matter Dissection Using 3D Images and Photogrammetry Scans

Brain Topogr. 2024 May 16. doi: 10.1007/s10548-024-01058-y. Online ahead of print.

Authors

André S B Oliveira^{1

2

3}, João Vitor A Fernandes³, Vera Louise F A Figueiredo³, Luciano C P C Leonel^{1

2}, Megan M J Bauman^{1

2}, Michael J Link^{1

2

4}, Maria Peris-Celda^{5

6

7}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st street SW, floor 8, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA.
² Mayo Clinic Rhoton Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology Surgical Anatomy Program, Rochester, Minnesota , USA.
³ Department of Morphology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.
⁴ Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
⁵ Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st street SW, floor 8, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA. periscelda.maria@mayo.edu.
⁶ Mayo Clinic Rhoton Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology Surgical Anatomy Program, Rochester, Minnesota , USA. periscelda.maria@mayo.edu.
⁷ Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. periscelda.maria@mayo.edu.

PMID: 38753271
DOI: 10.1007/s10548-024-01058-y

Abstract

White matter dissection (WMD) involves isolating bundles of myelinated axons in the brain and serves to gain insights into brain function and neural mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. While effective, cadaveric brain dissections pose certain challenges mainly due to availability of resources. Technological advancements, such as photogrammetry, have the potential to overcome these limitations by creating detailed three-dimensional (3D) models for immersive learning experiences in neuroanatomy. This study aimed to provide a detailed step-by-step WMD captured using two-dimensional (2D) images and 3D models (via photogrammetry) to serve as a comprehensive guide for studying white matter tracts of the brain. One formalin-fixed brain specimen was utilized to perform the WMD. The brain was divided in a sagittal plane and both cerebral hemispheres were stored in a freezer at -20 °C for 10 days, then thawed under running water at room temperature. Micro-instruments under an operating microscope were used to perform a systematic lateral-to-medial and medial-to-lateral dissection, while 2D images were captured and 3D models were created through photogrammetry during each stage of the dissection. Dissection was performed with comprehensive examination of the location, main landmarks, connections, and functions of the white matter tracts of the brain. Furthermore, high-quality 3D models of the dissections were created and housed on SketchFab^®, allowing for accessible and free of charge viewing for educational and research purposes. Our comprehensive dissection and 3D models have the potential to increase understanding of the intricate white matter anatomy and could provide an accessible platform for the teaching of neuroanatomy.

Keywords: 3D; Anatomy; Education; Neuroanatomy; Photogrammetry; White matter dissection.