20 - Interactive Computer-Assisted Coding, Three-Dimensional Reconstruction, and Quantitative Analysis of Neuronal Perikarya, Processes, Spines, and Varicosities

Abstract

This chapter discusses a simple computer-assisted light microscope system for studying all the morphological and structural characteristics of the neuron, including perikaryons, axons, dendrites, spines, and varicosities, that provides a realistic graphic representation of the neuron. It describes the hardware and the software developed to implement the system. Using an interactive computer-assisted microscope, the operator can see, in a superimposed form, both the light microscope image of the neuron and the graphic representation of the neuron. Any shift between the two images can be noted and corrected at that moment by the operator during the coding of the neuron, avoiding periodic checks and the use of computer-based error correction procedures. Another advantage of the interactive approach is that the operator can choose the best fit between the segment of the neuronal process that is being coded and the segment drawn by the computer. In the design of the computer-assisted microscope described in this chapter, the drawing tube is used to combine the information.